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Monday 23/02/2026

Trump Warns UK on China Ties as Starmer Secures Key Trade Agreements in Beijing

British and Chinese leaders shaking hands with flags behind
Ethan BrooksEthan Brooks

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Donald Trump warned the UK against deepening business ties with China, calling it "very dangerous" amid Keir Starmer's visit to Beijing.
  • Starmer's trip resulted in agreements on visa-free travel, lower whisky tariffs, and a £10.9bn investment by AstraZeneca in China.
  • The UK Prime Minister's visit aimed to strengthen UK-China relations, marking the first such visit in eight years.
  • Trump's remarks come as he plans his own visit to China in April, highlighting ongoing global trade tensions.
  • The British Chamber of Commerce in China praised Starmer's visit as a pragmatic move given China's status as a major trading partner.

In a move that underscores the complex dynamics of global trade, former US President Donald Trump has cautioned the United Kingdom against expanding its business relations with China. His comments came as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer concluded a significant visit to Beijing, aimed at bolstering economic ties with the world's second-largest economy.

Starmer's Landmark Visit to China

Prime Minister Starmer's visit to China marked the first by a British leader in eight years, signaling a potential thaw in previously strained UK-China relations. During his three-hour talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Starmer secured several key agreements, including visa-free travel, reduced tariffs on whisky, and a substantial £10.9bn investment by pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca to establish manufacturing facilities in China. Starmer described the meetings as "very good," emphasizing the UK's strong position and potential contributions to the Chinese market.

Trump's Cautionary Remarks

Despite the positive outcomes of Starmer's visit, Trump's warning highlighted the geopolitical tensions surrounding China's growing influence. Speaking at an event in Washington, Trump labeled the UK's engagement with China as "very dangerous," echoing similar concerns about Canada's recent economic deals with Beijing. Trump's remarks, however, were tempered by his acknowledgment of a personal rapport with President Xi and his own upcoming visit to China in April.

Economic Diplomacy and Global Trade Tensions

Starmer's efforts to enhance UK-China relations were praised by Chris Torrens, chair of the British Chamber of Commerce in China, who described the visit as "successful" and pragmatic given China's role as a major trading partner. The visit also reflects a broader trend among Western leaders seeking to navigate the complexities of global trade amid unpredictable US policies and ongoing trade tensions.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

Looking ahead, the UK's strengthened ties with China could lead to increased economic opportunities, but also pose challenges in balancing relations with the US, its largest trading partner. Trump's upcoming visit to China may further influence the geopolitical landscape, potentially impacting global trade policies. Experts suggest that while economic diplomacy with China is crucial, the UK must carefully manage its alliances to maintain stability in international relations. As global trade tensions persist, the strategic decisions made by leaders like Starmer and Trump will likely shape the future of international economic cooperation.