UK's Starmer Seeks to Reset China Ties While Managing US Pressure

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is travelling to China this week on a three-day visit aimed at repairing strained UK-China relations and reopening channels for trade and investment, in the first trip by a UK leader to Beijing since 2018.

The visit signals a shift toward pragmatic engagement with the world’s second-largest economy as Britain looks to strengthen economic growth.

Starmer will hold talks with senior Chinese leaders in Beijing before travelling to Shanghai, accompanied by cabinet ministers and senior executives from British companies.

UK officials say the focus will be on trade, market access, climate cooperation and regulatory dialogue, while maintaining what the government describes as a “clear-eyed” approach to national security and values.

• Keir Starmer seeks reset of China ties amid pressure from US
• Starmer’s China visit focuses on trade, investment and pragmatic engagement
• UK aims to balance China outreach while managing uncertain US relations

China was the UK’s fourth-largest trading partner in the year to mid-2025, with bilateral trade worth around £100 billion. Despite this, Chinese investment into Britain has slowed in recent years due to tighter security screening, political tensions and broader geopolitical tensions. The government hopes renewed engagement can stabilise economic ties without reversing existing safeguards.

The visit takes place as Britain navigates a more complex relationship with the United States. Relations with Washington have become less predictable under President Donald Trump, whose administration has criticised European defence spending and taken a more confrontational stance on trade and diplomacy. UK officials say Starmer does not intend to position Britain between Washington and Beijing, but rather to pursue an independent foreign policy aligned with British interests.

Starmer has said the UK will continue to cooperate with China where it is in Britain’s interest, while competing where necessary and challenging Beijing on areas of disagreement. Human rights concerns, cybersecurity and regional security issues are expected to be raised privately during the talks.

Some lawmakers have warned against closer engagement with China, arguing it risks undermining security and values. Business leaders, however, have urged the government to stabilise relations, saying prolonged political tension has limited access to one of the world’s largest markets.

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The outcome of the visit will be closely watched for signs of concrete progress beyond diplomatic signalling.