U.S. President Donald Trump has cautioned Britain against expanding business ties with China, calling such engagement “very dangerous,” even as Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted economic progress during a visit to Beijing.
Starmer’s trip comes at a moment of heightened uncertainty among Western allies, many of whom are recalibrating foreign and trade policy amid Trump’s unpredictable approach to diplomacy.
Talks With Xi Emphasise Market Access and Investment
During meetings lasting roughly three hours with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Starmer called for a “more sophisticated relationship” between the two countries. Discussions covered improved market access, reduced tariffs, potential investment agreements—and even cultural touchstones such as football and Shakespeare.
Back in Washington, Trump addressed reporters before attending the premiere of a documentary at the Kennedy Center. Asked about Britain’s closer engagement with Beijing, he offered a blunt assessment but declined to provide further detail.
Tariff Threats Add to Diplomatic Tension
Trump, who plans to travel to China in April, last week threatened to impose tariffs on Canada after its prime minister struck economic agreements with Beijing. His remarks underscored broader concerns in Washington about allies deepening ties with China.
A spokesperson for Downing Street and China’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment following Trump’s statement.
Starmer Points to “Real Progress”
Around the same time, Starmer told delegates at the UK-China Business Forum in Beijing that his discussions with Xi had delivered “real progress.”
He singled out agreements on visa-free travel and reduced tariffs on British whisky as meaningful steps forward. “These are important forms of access and a symbol of how we are rebuilding the relationship,” Starmer said, adding that trust and mutual respect were central to long-term cooperation.
Business Outreach and Investment Plans
Before traveling onward to Shanghai, Starmer met Chinese executives, including Yin Tongyue, chief executive of automaker Chery. A local official said the company plans to open a research and development centre for its commercial vehicle division in Liverpool.
‘Not Choosing Between the U.S. and China’
Starmer has made improving relations with the world’s second-largest economy a priority as his centre-left Labour government seeks to revive growth at home.
His visit comes amid renewed unease among U.S. allies following Trump’s fluctuating tariff threats and comments about asserting control over Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory.
Speaking to reporters aboard his flight to China, Starmer said Britain’s long-standing partnership with the United States would remain intact even as it pursued economic opportunities with China.
“Our relationship with the United States is one of the closest we have,” he said, citing defence, security, intelligence and trade ties. He added that the UK would not be forced to choose between Washington and Beijing, pointing to Trump’s September visit to Britain that announced £150bn in U.S. investment.
Coordination With Washington
A British government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Washington had been informed in advance about the objectives of Starmer’s China trip, reflecting the sensitivity of the issue.
In recent weeks, Starmer has shown a greater willingness to challenge Trump publicly. He urged the U.S. president to apologise for remarks suggesting some NATO troops avoided frontline combat and said Britain would not yield to demands related to Greenland.
Europe Watches Closely
Other European leaders are also engaging Beijing. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is expected to visit China soon, while French President Emmanuel Macron traveled there in December, accompanied by Xi on a rare trip outside Beijing.
On Thursday, the Republican-led U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee issued a sharp warning on social media, criticising China’s trade practices and diplomatic outreach.
Skepticism Over Export Prospects
Before Trump’s remarks, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick expressed doubt that Britain’s efforts would yield strong export gains.
“The Chinese are the world’s biggest exporters and very difficult markets to break into,” he said. Asked whether Britain could face tariffs similar to those threatened against Canada, Lutnick replied that such a move was unlikely unless London openly challenged Washington.