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Trump labels UK-China business ties 'very dangerous'
Former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the UK's growing economic engagement with China, calling it "very dangerous" as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer concluded high-level talks in Shanghai. Trump, speaking at a documentary premiere in New York, also cautioned Canada against deepening ties with Beijing, warning of economic risks.
Starmer defends UK-China relations amid US criticism
Starmer, on the final day of his China visit, described the UK's relationship with Beijing as being in a "good, strong place" after meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He highlighted "real progress" in trade and investment, including a £10.9 billion commitment from AstraZeneca to expand manufacturing in China, visa-free travel agreements, and reduced tariffs on British whisky.
UK Business Minister Sir Chris Bryant dismissed Trump's warnings as "wrong," arguing it would be "bonkers" for the UK to ignore China's global influence. Bryant also noted that Trump himself is expected to visit China in April, underscoring the complexities of Western engagement with Beijing.
Key agreements and economic stakes
The UK and China announced collaborations on combating organized crime and illegal migration, alongside the trade deals. According to the Department for Business and Trade, China was the UK's fourth-largest trading partner in 2025, trailing only the U.S., Germany, and the Netherlands.
Chris Torrens, chair of the British Chamber of Commerce in China, called Starmer's visit "successful," emphasizing that China remains a critical economic partner for the UK. He pointed out that other Western leaders, including Trump, have either recently visited Beijing or plan to do so soon.
Security concerns and political backlash
Starmer's trip-the first by a UK leader since 2018-drew criticism from opposition MPs, who accused the government of prioritizing economic gains over national security and human rights. China faces ongoing allegations of human rights abuses, including against Uyghur Muslims and Hong Kong pro-democracy figures like Jimmy Lai, who faces life imprisonment.
"Sir Keir has gone to Beijing to kowtow to President Xi, trading national security for economic crumbs off the Chinese table."
Chris Philp, Shadow Home Secretary
The government recently approved China's plans for a new embassy in London, a decision defended by Security Minister Dan Jarvis, who stated that intelligence agencies had ensured risks were "appropriately managed."
Next steps for UK-China relations
Starmer will depart Shanghai for Tokyo later Friday, where he will meet Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for a working dinner. The visit underscores the UK's balancing act between strengthening economic ties with China while navigating geopolitical tensions and domestic scrutiny.
