Starmer Concludes China Visit with Trade and Tourism Pacts Amid US Warning

The official visit of the United Kingdom's Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, to China concluded on January 30, 2026, in Shanghai, following significant high-level meetings in Beijing on January 29, 2026. This visit marks the first by a British Prime Minister to China since 2018, signaling an effort to re-establish a relationship described as "more sophisticated," aiming to move past a preceding period the Prime Minister termed an "ice age."

Against a backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions, particularly public warnings from United States President Donald Trump regarding closer ties with Beijing, Prime Minister Starmer's trip underscores the British government's pragmatic foreign policy approach. Starmer, who assumed office on July 5, 2024, affirmed a position that the United Kingdom "does not need to choose between Washington and Beijing" after his extended meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on January 29. Premier Li Qiang simultaneously called for enhanced economic cooperation, referencing China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) as a framework for future collaboration.

The economic outcomes included a significant concession: China agreed to halve the tariff on Scotch whisky from 10% to 5%. The UK government estimates this reduction will inject approximately £250 million into the economy over the next five years, building on the 81.4% increase in Scotch whisky exports to China between 2019 (£89 million) and 2024 (£161 million). Furthermore, a symbolic agreement grants UK citizens visiting China for under 30 days visa-free status, aligning the UK with 50 other nations. This administrative removal is projected to benefit the UK's tourism and business sectors, especially considering over 157,000 standard visas were issued to UK citizens in 2025, incurring an estimated £42 million in processing costs.

Prime Minister Starmer's delegation included nearly 60 leaders from the business and cultural sectors, emphasizing the focus on expanding opportunities for UK services, which contribute £13 billion annually to China. The two nations also agreed to establish a high-level partnership on climate and nature and to resume senior-level security dialogue. In a constructive diplomatic gesture, the visit included an official invitation for President Xi Jinping to conduct a future state visit to the United Kingdom, signaling a desire for a stable, long-term trajectory in relations. This engagement drew a sharp reaction from Washington, where President Trump characterized the UK's economic rapprochement with Beijing as "very dangerous."

During his discussions, Prime Minister Starmer also "respectfully discussed" sensitive issues, including the detention of Jimmy Lai and the situation of the Uyghur minority. The visit concluded with the agreement to reopen stalled climate-finance talks, reinforcing the dual track of pursuing economic benefit while addressing contentious political matters.