UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Concludes Landmark Diplomatic Visit to China

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has concluded a four-day diplomatic visit to China, the first by a British prime minister in eight years. The visit aimed at resetting strained bilateral relations and fostering a "long-term, consistent and comprehensive strategic partnership." During his visit, Starmer met with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss economic opportunities, global stability, climate change, and human rights, resulting in several agreements and commitments for expanded cooperation.

Background on Strained Bilateral Relations

Relations between the United Kingdom and China had experienced a period of strain preceding Starmer's visit. Tensions arose from concerns in the UK regarding alleged Chinese espionage activity, China's stance on the conflict in Ukraine, and actions taken concerning freedoms in Hong Kong, including the imposition of a national security law in 2020.

The UK government had previously characterized its relationship with China as an "epoch-defining challenge" and designated China as a "long-term strategic challenge," while also acting against China-based tech companies over alleged cyberattacks.

China had also sanctioned British parliamentarians. President Xi Jinping acknowledged that past "twists and turns" in China-UK relations were not beneficial for either nation.

The Visit and Delegations

Prime Minister Starmer arrived in Beijing on January 28, 2026, with planned stops including Beijing and Shanghai. The visit was facilitated by the UK's recent approval of plans for a new Chinese embassy in London. Starmer received a ceremonial welcome and held over three hours of talks with President Xi Jinping in the Great Hall of the People.

A delegation of over 50 British business leaders accompanied the Prime Minister, signaling a focus on economic engagement. The visit follows similar engagements by leaders from South Korea, Canada, and Finland, with the German chancellor also expected to visit Beijing in the near future.

Key Discussions and Outcomes

During his discussions with President Xi, Prime Minister Starmer emphasized the importance of building a "sophisticated relationship" that identifies opportunities for collaboration while allowing for dialogue on disagreements. He stated that the UK would not be forced to choose between China and its close ties with the United States across business, security, and defense.

Prime Minister Starmer emphasized the importance of building a "sophisticated relationship" that identifies opportunities for collaboration while allowing for dialogue on disagreements.

President Xi expressed China's readiness to develop a long-term strategic partnership and highlighted the need for strengthened dialogue and cooperation to maintain global peace and stability.

Specific outcomes and areas of cooperation announced include:

• Trade and Investment: China confirmed progress on reducing import tariffs on Scotch whisky from 10% to 5%. British drugmaker AstraZeneca announced plans to invest $15 billion in China by 2030 to expand manufacturing and research and development. Agreements for British firms to invest in China were also signed, contributing to a total of ten different agreements during the visit.
• Travel: China is considering opening visa-free entry for British nationals for stays under 30 days, with progress reported on this initiative.
• Expanded Cooperation: Both countries announced plans to expand cooperation in key areas, including education, healthcare, finance, artificial intelligence research, biological sciences, and new energy development.
• Security Cooperation: Discussions included collaboration on tackling gangs involved in illegal migrant trafficking. This initiative is expected to focus on reducing the use of Chinese-made engines in small boats utilized for transporting migrants across Europe, involving intelligence sharing and cooperation with manufacturers.
• Human Rights: Prime Minister Starmer stated his intention to raise human rights issues with President Xi, specifically mentioning the case of Jimmy Lai, a British citizen and former Hong Kong media tycoon, and the Uyghur community.
• Sanctions Lifted: China lifted sanctions on six serving British parliamentarians during the visit.
• Business Environment: Beijing urged London to create a fair and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese firms operating in the UK.

International and Domestic Context

The visit aligns with a broader trend of Western leaders engaging with China amidst an evolving international landscape and shifts in global trade.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly warned the UK against pursuing business with China, describing such engagement as "very dangerous."

Domestically, the UK's decision to approve the new Chinese embassy in London generated criticism from opposition parties and local residents. While Prime Minister Starmer's team views the visit as a step towards a "more sophisticated" future relationship, the leader of Britain's opposition Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, expressed reservations due to security risks. Former Foreign Secretary Sir Jeremy Hunt supported the visit but advised remaining "clear-eyed" about China's strategic aims.

Analysis in some UK media outlets described the announced deals as "underwhelming," while others highlighted potential trade benefits. The UK is currently awaiting approval from Chinese authorities for its own plan to redevelop the British embassy in Beijing.