Archive · 29 Jan 2026
UK's Starmer Resets China Ties
The UK's Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, visited China for the first time in eight years.
He met with Chinese leaders to talk about trade and business opportunities.
Starmer encouraged British companies to do more business in China, even though some people in the UK are worried about China's actions.
He said the UK can work with China without making the US upset because of their strong relationship.
Starmer also said the UK needs to be careful about security threats.
China is happy to have the UK visit because it shows that China is a reliable partner in a world that is becoming more unstable.
Starmer did not say if he would talk about issues like the imprisonment of Jimmy Lai or ask China to help end the war in Ukraine.
The UK and China also agreed to work together to stop illegal migrants from crossing the Channel.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited China for the first time in eight years to strengthen economic and security ties.
Starmer met with Chinese President Xi Jinping for around three hours, discussing trade, security, and areas of disagreement.
The visit marks a shift in UK-China relations after years of tension, with Starmer emphasizing a 'sophisticated relationship'.
Starmer and Xi discussed reducing tariffs on whisky, visa waivers for British nationals, and cooperation on migrant smuggling.
Starmer's visit follows a trend of Western leaders engaging with China amid uncertainty about US policies under President Trump.
- Who
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang
- What
- UK-China trade discussions, strengthening ties, economic opportunities, security cooperation
- When
- January 29, 2025
- Where
- Beijing, China
- Why
- To strengthen economic ties, bolster security, and seize business opportunities
UK Government
Opposition Conservatives
China Engagement
UK Government
Supports engagement with China for economic and security benefits.
Opposition Conservatives
Opposes engagement due to security risks and human rights concerns.
- UK Prime Minister
- Keir Starmer
- Chinese President
- Xi Jinping
- Meeting Location
- Great Hall of the People, Beijing
- Key Agreements
- Whisky tariffs, visa waivers, migrant smuggling cooperation
- Last UK PM Visit to China
- 2018
- China's Trade Surplus
- $1.2 trillion (2025)
- China's Forex Inflows
- $100 billion (December 2025)
- China's Official Forex Reserves
- $3.36 trillion (10-year high)
- Shanghai Index Growth
- 27% (past year)
- Yuan Usage
- More than half of China's cross-border transactions
Sources
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British PM Starmer meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping
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British PM Starmer Meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping
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UK’s Starmer tells Xi he wants ‘sophisticated’ ties with China
Starmer and Xi discussed tariffs, travel and migration
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