First Canada, Now China: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Begins Beijing Visit Amid US Tensions

London/Beijing: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has embarked on a long-awaited visit to China, marking the first such trip by a UK premier since 2018. The visit comes at a time of heightened interest in Europe and is expected to draw scrutiny from the United States, which has previously expressed concerns over independent Western engagement with Beijing.

A Strategic Move Amid Strained US Ties

Starmer’s China visit aims to soften bilateral relations and boost the UK economy, though it risks domestic criticism from hardliners advocating a tough stance on China. The trip follows Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent visit, which provoked a sharp response from US President Donald Trump, and there is anticipation that Trump may react similarly to Starmer’s engagement.

During his Beijing and Shanghai tour, Starmer is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. Trade minister Peter Kyle and a delegation of corporate leaders are expected to accompany him. The UK hopes to leverage the visit to attract Chinese investment in technology, finance, and automobiles, while expanding market access for British goods such as Scotch whisky.

China Welcomes ‘Practical Cooperation’

China has described the visit as an opportunity to build political trust and deepen “practical cooperation.” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said, “In the current complex and unstable international environment, communication and strengthened cooperation between China and the UK, as permanent members of the UN Security Council, serve the shared interests of both peoples.”

Opportunities and Challenges in Bilateral Relations

Experts note that the visit comes at a time of shifting geopolitics, offering potential opportunities to strengthen UK-China ties. However, historical tensions persist, including concerns over Hong Kong, Chinese support for Russia in Ukraine, espionage, and economic interference. Previous Conservative governments imposed restrictions on Chinese investment in sensitive sectors, reflecting long-standing caution in UK policy.

Starmer’s centrist-left Labour government is pursuing a pragmatic approach, balancing national security concerns with continued diplomatic and economic engagement. The visit also occurs amid lingering strains with the US, following policies under Trump that have disrupted global trade norms, though a recent trade deal reduced tariffs on UK auto and aerospace exports. Starmer has cautiously avoided direct confrontation with Trump, though he has publicly criticized the former US president’s statements on Greenland and Afghanistan, calling them “completely wrong” and “insulting.”