Archive · 31 Jan 2026
Starmer Secures Trade Wins in China
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited China to meet with President Xi Jinping.
They agreed to improve their countries' relationship, which had been strained for years.
Starmer wants to boost the UK economy by doing more business with China, the world's second-largest economy.
Xi sees this as a chance to show that China is an important partner for Western countries.
They talked about trade, human rights, and other important issues.
Starmer also announced that China will make it easier for British citizens to visit for short trips and will cut tariffs on Scotch whisky, which is good for Scottish businesses.
Some people in the UK are concerned about China's human rights record and spying activities, but Starmer believes it's important for the UK to engage with China despite these issues.
President Trump of the US has warned against close ties with China, but Starmer thinks the UK should not ignore China's importance in the world.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing to improve diplomatic and economic ties.
Starmer aims to boost the UK economy by increasing business opportunities with China, the world's second-largest economy.
Xi views the meeting as an opportunity to demonstrate China's importance as a partner for Western countries.
They discussed trade, human rights, Chinese espionage, and the situation in Hong Kong, including the case of pro-democracy dissident Jimmy Lai.
Starmer announced that China will relax visa rules for British citizens for trips under 30 days and cut Scotch whisky import tariffs from 10% to 5%, aligning with policies for other European countries.
- Who
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chinese President Xi Jinping
- What
- A meeting to improve diplomatic and economic ties between the UK and China, including trade agreements on Scotch whisky
- When
- January 29, 2026
- Where
- Beijing and Shanghai, China
- Why
- To seek business opportunities, navigate volatile U.S. policies, and strengthen economic ties
- Location
- Beijing and Shanghai, China
- Date
- January 29, 2026
- Key Figures
- Keir Starmer (UK Prime Minister), Xi Jinping (Chinese President)
- Business Delegation
- Over 50 business leaders from banking, pharmaceutical, and automobile sectors
- Visa Policy Change
- China to relax visa rules for British citizens for trips under 30 days
- Key Issues Discussed
- Trade, human rights, Chinese espionage, and Hong Kong pro-democracy dissident Jimmy Lai
- U.S. Reaction
- President Donald Trump expressed concerns about potential U.K.-China trade deals
- Sanctions Lifted
- Travel ban on British lawmakers lifted by China
- Scotch Whisky Tariffs
- China to cut tariffs from 10% to 5%
- India-UK CETA
- Tariffs on Scotch whisky imports into India to be reduced from 150% to 75% immediately, then to 40% over 10 years
Sources
In Beijing, Starmer and Xi seek a way around a volatile US
Starmer: UK Can’t ‘Stick Its Head in Sand’ on China After Trump Warning
Trade rifts with Washington drive US allies to reset ties with Beijing
"Very Dangerous For Them": Trump Warns UK Against Doing Business With China
UK hails India FTA as China agrees to halve Scotch whisky import tariffs - Telegraph India
Labubu-maker to set up European HQ in London after Starmer secures 'ugly-cute' deal in China trip
“China has cut tariffs in half”: British PM Keir Starmer hails boost for UK whisky industry
UK PM Starmer wraps China visit with multi-billion-pound export, investment deals
