BEIJING/WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump warned on Friday that Britain was taking a risky path by deepening economic ties with China, even as Prime Minister Keir Starmer promoted what he called the tangible benefits of resetting relations with Beijing during a high-profile visit.
Speaking to reporters in Washington ahead of a film premiere, Trump said it was “very dangerous” for Britain to do business with China, without elaborating. His remarks came as Starmer held extended talks in Beijing with President Xi Jinping focused on trade access, investment and easing tariffs.
Starmer told business leaders at the UK-China Business Forum that his discussions with Xi had delivered “real progress,” citing agreements on visa-free travel and reduced whisky tariffs as early gains. He said improved economic engagement would help build mutual trust between the two countries.
British trade minister Chris Bryant rejected Trump’s criticism, saying London was pursuing its China relationship with “eyes wide open” and in the national interest.
Starmer’s visit reflects his Labour government’s push to revive economic growth since taking office in mid-2024, with China seen as a key commercial partner. British officials stressed the outreach to Beijing would not weaken the UK’s close strategic relationship with the United States.
“We don’t have to choose between the US and China,” Starmer said during the trip, noting Britain’s long-standing cooperation with Washington in defence, intelligence and trade.
The UK leader also met Chinese business executives, including senior figures from automaker Chery, which plans to open a research and development centre in the English city of Liverpool.
Trump, who is expected to visit China in April, has recently warned allies against expanding economic engagement with Beijing and has floated tariff threats against countries deepening ties with China.
Other Western leaders, including Germany’s chancellor and France’s president, have also visited China in recent months, signalling renewed diplomatic and commercial outreach despite rising geopolitical tensions.
Trump Cautions UK on China Trade as Starmer Pushes Economic Reset
BEIJING/WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump warned on Friday that Britain was taking a risky path by deepening economic ties with China, even as Prime Minister Keir Starmer promoted what he called the tangible benefits of resetting relations with Beijing during a high-profile visit.
Speaking to reporters in Washington ahead of a film premiere, Trump said it was “very dangerous” for Britain to do business with China, without elaborating. His remarks came as Starmer held extended talks in Beijing with President Xi Jinping focused on trade access, investment and easing tariffs.
Starmer told business leaders at the UK-China Business Forum that his discussions with Xi had delivered “real progress,” citing agreements on visa-free travel and reduced whisky tariffs as early gains. He said improved economic engagement would help build mutual trust between the two countries.
British trade minister Chris Bryant rejected Trump’s criticism, saying London was pursuing its China relationship with “eyes wide open” and in the national interest.
Starmer’s visit reflects his Labour government’s push to revive economic growth since taking office in mid-2024, with China seen as a key commercial partner. British officials stressed the outreach to Beijing would not weaken the UK’s close strategic relationship with the United States.
“We don’t have to choose between the US and China,” Starmer said during the trip, noting Britain’s long-standing cooperation with Washington in defence, intelligence and trade.
The UK leader also met Chinese business executives, including senior figures from automaker Chery, which plans to open a research and development centre in the English city of Liverpool.
Trump, who is expected to visit China in April, has recently warned allies against expanding economic engagement with Beijing and has floated tariff threats against countries deepening ties with China.
Other Western leaders, including Germany’s chancellor and France’s president, have also visited China in recent months, signalling renewed diplomatic and commercial outreach despite rising geopolitical tensions.