UK-China trade and cooperation strengthened on Starmer visit

Published: 29 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

UK-China relations have taken centre stage as Prime Minister Keir Starmer met Xi Jinping Thursday. Starmer emphasized that UK-China cooperation would enhance trade stability amid global economic uncertainty. The prime minister insisted this visit sought to bring long-term clarity and predictability to UK-China relations after inconsistent policies under previous governments.

The meeting, held at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, lasted approximately forty minutes and included business and cultural discussions. Starmer, the first UK leader in eight years to visit China, told reporters he aimed to solidify UK-China ties while maintaining careful attention to security concerns.

UK-China trade has grown steadily, with China representing one of Britain’s largest global trading partners. Exports of goods and services to China reached £45 billion last year, highlighting UK-China economic interdependence. While not among China’s top ten trading partners, the UK remains strategically important as Beijing seeks to expand influence among allied Western nations.

During the talks, Starmer was clear-eyed about the challenges posed by China, emphasizing that cooperation would include protective measures against espionage. He also planned to address human rights issues, notably the detention of Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai, showing that relations balance economic interests with ethical considerations.

Critics within the Conservative Party have warned that engagement with China could undermine security, citing past accusations of cyber-attacks and political interference. Nonetheless, Downing Street confirmed that all discussions are framed with strict safeguards. The UK will not be forced to choose exclusively between China and the United States, even amid escalating global trade tensions.

Starmer’s engagement with Xi also included cultural diplomacy. The prime minister presented Xi with a Manchester United football, symbolizing goodwill, as the Chinese leader recently celebrated a football victory over Arsenal, which Starmer supports. Observers suggest such gestures could strengthen trust, potentially aiding negotiations on broader geopolitical issues.

Key topics discussed during the visit involved serious organised crime, including illicit synthetic opioid trafficking responsible for over 750 UK deaths. Both sides also explored collaboration on tackling illegal exports of small boat engines, the majority sourced from China, which play a role in migrants’ cross-channel journeys. The agreements aim to enhance intelligence sharing and ensure cooperation in law enforcement.

While commercial engagement was central, Starmer ensured that collaboration would not compromise national security. Decisions on China supplying turbines for UK windfarms remain under review, reflecting careful balancing between economic opportunity and safeguarding critical infrastructure.

Downing Street sources highlighted that discussions included sensitive matters such as the Chagos Islands sovereignty transfer to Mauritius, which some US policymakers had criticised. Starmer dismissed concerns, confirming the agreement is secure and will proceed, illustrating that relations operate independently of external pressure.

Political commentators note that Starmer’s visit aligns the UK more closely with countries pursuing pragmatic economic diplomacy, including France and Germany, whose leaders have frequently visited Beijing. By positioning the UK strategically in global trade, Starmer aims to combine diplomacy, commerce, and ethical oversight in UK-China relations.

Experts argue that UK-China engagement will define Britain’s economic trajectory over the next decade, with Starmer focusing on stability and predictability. UK-China economic relations are expected to feature prominently in ongoing talks on energy, technology, and trade security, while continuing to monitor human rights concerns carefully.

Starmer’s approach seeks to reassure both domestic audiences and international partners that cooperation with China is managed transparently, responsibly, and strategically. The emphasis on shared trade and mutual security objectives demonstrates that relations are increasingly sophisticated, navigating complex geopolitical realities with pragmatism and foresight.

By the end of the visit, officials indicated several memorandums of understanding could be formalized, particularly on trade, law enforcement, and technology collaboration. Relations now appear poised to enter a more stable phase, balancing opportunity with caution, and reflecting the broader international context in which the UK seeks reliable partnerships.

As Starmer departed Beijing, he expressed optimism that UK-China cooperation would grow while ensuring security and ethical standards are maintained. Observers suggest this historic visit may define UK-China relations for years, blending diplomacy, economics, and mutual understanding in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

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