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Starmer heads to China as first UK PM in eight years
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will travel to Beijing and Shanghai next week, becoming the first British leader to visit China since 2018. The trip aims to explore economic opportunities for British businesses while navigating rising tensions between China and the US.
Balancing act between China and the US
In an interview with Bloomberg News, Starmer emphasized that the UK would not be forced to choose between China and the US, despite growing trade friction between the two superpowers. He stated that maintaining strong ties with Washington on business, security, and defense remains a priority, but ignoring China's economic potential would be "unsensible."
"I'm often invited to simply choose between countries. I don't do that," Starmer said. "We've got very close relations with the US, and we will maintain that, but we must also engage with China."
Business delegation to explore opportunities
Dozens of UK business leaders are expected to accompany Starmer on the trip, underscoring the government's focus on expanding trade ties. The prime minister stressed that engaging with China does not mean compromising national security, adding that the delegation understands the "opportunities that exist."
Diplomatic tightrope amid US-China tensions
Former Foreign Secretary Sir Jeremy Hunt warned that Starmer faces a delicate balancing act, noting that China's strategic goal may be to "prize apart" the UK-US relationship. While acknowledging the benefits of increased trade with China, Hunt emphasized the risks involved.
"There is a real diplomatic tightrope that Keir Starmer has to walk here. There will be some benefits of course from more trade with China, but there's also a huge amount of risk."
Sir Jeremy Hunt, BBC Radio 4's Today programme
Human rights and geopolitical concerns
Starmer indicated he would raise human rights issues during his visit, including the case of Jimmy Lai, the Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon convicted in December under Hong Kong's security laws. Western governments, including the UK and US, have called for Lai's release, but Beijing and Hong Kong authorities have rejected these demands.
The trip follows recent approval for a new Chinese embassy in London, a move that has drawn criticism from opposition parties and local residents. Meanwhile, the UK is awaiting China's approval for a £100 million redevelopment of its embassy in Beijing.
Recent strains in US-UK relations
The visit comes amid heightened tensions between the US and its allies. US President Donald Trump recently threatened tariffs on allies opposing his demand to take control of Greenland and later criticized NATO troops for not being more active in Afghanistan. Trump also warned of a 100% tariff on Canadian goods if the country pursued a trade deal with China.
