British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chinese President Xi Jinping have agreed to develop a long-term comprehensive strategic partnership during the first visit by a UK leader to Beijing in eight years. The landmark summit comes as Western leaders increasingly weigh closer ties with China amid uncertainty over President Donald Trump's unpredictable foreign policy and America First agenda.
Meeting in the Chinese capital, Starmer and Xi pledged to turn the vast potential of UK-China cooperation into real progress and open up new prospects for bilateral relations. The British Prime Minister was accompanied by more than 50 UK business executives, underscoring the economic dimension of the visit as his government seeks new sources of growth for the struggling British economy.
The summit produced several concrete agreements between the two nations. China announced it would cut tariffs on British whisky from 10 percent to 5 percent, a significant boost for Scotland's vital export industry. Beijing also agreed to grant 30 days of visa-free access for British citizens, facilitating tourism and business travel between the two countries.
In a major corporate announcement tied to the visit, UK pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca revealed a 15 billion dollar investment commitment in China, signaling strong confidence in the bilateral economic relationship. The two sides also agreed to cooperate on addressing human trafficking in the English Channel, with UK law enforcement working with Chinese authorities to prevent small boat engines from reaching criminal gangs operating the dangerous crossings.
However, the visit has drawn criticism from Washington, where President Trump reportedly warned the UK about the dangers of doing business with China. Speaking about Canada's potential trade relations with Beijing, Trump stated it would be very dangerous for allies to pursue such partnerships, adding that China cannot be seen as the answer to economic challenges.
Starmer addressed human rights concerns during the meetings, confirming he raised the case of Jimmy Lai, the Hong Kong media tycoon imprisoned under national security laws, as well as broader issues about China's human rights record. The Prime Minister defended his approach, stating that China matters for the UK whether people like it or not, and that engagement is necessary even where the two sides disagree.
The visit represents a significant diplomatic recalibration for Britain, which had seen relations with China deteriorate sharply in recent years over issues including Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and technology security concerns. Starmer's government has characterized the approach as a sophisticated reset that balances economic opportunities with continued advocacy on areas of disagreement.
Analysts note that the timing of Starmer's visit reflects a broader trend among Western leaders seeking to diversify their diplomatic and economic relationships amid concerns about the direction of US foreign policy under the Trump administration. The comprehensive strategic partnership agreed in Beijing marks a new chapter in UK-China relations that will be closely watched by allies and rivals alike.
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