LONDON: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will begin a three-day visit to China on Tuesday evening, becoming the first UK leader in eight years to travel to Beijing as London seeks to repair strained relations with the world’s second-largest economy and diversify away from growing reliance on the United States.
Starmer will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang in Beijing before travelling to Shanghai and making a brief stop in Japan. He is accompanied by two cabinet ministers and a large business delegation, including senior executives from HSBC and AstraZeneca.
The visit comes at a time of renewed tension between Britain and the United States following recent remarks by President Donald Trump, including threats related to Greenland and unpredictable trade policies. Analysts say Washington’s posture is shaping the diplomatic calculations of several Western capitals engaging Beijing.
Since taking office in 2024, Starmer has sought to reset ties with China after relations deteriorated under previous governments over Hong Kong, cybersecurity allegations and security concerns. British officials say stronger trade and investment links with China are needed to support economic growth and improve public services.
China has welcomed the trip, with its foreign ministry describing it as an opportunity to open a new chapter in bilateral relations. Beijing has indicated that trade and investment agreements are likely to be signed during the visit.
However, critics in Britain argue that closer engagement with China has so far delivered limited economic benefits and carries security risks. The United States remains Britain’s largest investment partner, while China accounts for only a small share of foreign direct investment.
Starmer has acknowledged that China presents national security challenges but maintains that economic cooperation remains in the national interest.