30.01.2026 19:00
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's first official visit to China has created tension with its ally, the United States. US President Donald Trump described the UK's rapprochement with China as "very dangerous." The British government responded, "It would be foolish to ignore the world's second-largest economy."
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's first official visit to China after eight years has built an icy wall between him and his ally, the US. While Donald Trump described London's rapprochement with Beijing as "very dangerous," the British government responded to these criticisms by stating, "It would be foolish to ignore the world's second-largest economy."
MESSAGE FROM TRUMP: IT'S RISKY FOR THEM TO DO THIS
US President Donald Trump, responding to reporters' questions at the documentary premiere of his wife Melania Trump, harshly criticized the UK's move to strengthen trade ties with China. Describing this new path that the UK has taken with Beijing as "dangerous," Trump also directed his criticism towards Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, stating, "Canada doing business with China is even more dangerous. China cannot be the answer."
RESPONSE FROM THE UK: NOT ENGAGING IS ABSURD
London's response to Trump's warnings was swift. Speaking to Sky News, UK Trade Secretary Chris Bryant reminded that Trump himself planned to visit China in April and said:
"Not engaging with a global power like China would be absolutely foolish. We cannot bury our heads in the sand; China is our fourth largest export market."
DOES THE UK HAVE TO MAKE A CHOICE?
Analysts indicate that during this period, when Trump has cornered his allies with threats of tariffs and comments about Greenland and Canada, the UK may be forced to make a strategic choice between Washington and Beijing. Starmer emphasizes that "we do not have to make a choice," indicating his intention to maintain pragmatic relations with both major powers.
STARMER'S "FINE LINE" DIPLOMACY
Meeting with President Xi Jinping in Beijing, Prime Minister Starmer tried to establish a delicate balance between economic gains and political criticisms. During the visit;
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Concrete economic steps were taken, such as halving tariffs on British whisky and AstraZeneca's $15 billion major investment.
PARLIAMENTARY OBSTACLE
However, the economic spring atmosphere did not create the same effect in the political arena. Speaker of the House of Commons Lindsay Hoyle clearly stated that Xi Jinping would not be allowed to speak in Parliament as long as China does not lift its sanctions against British MPs. Additionally, the lack of concrete progress on human rights issues, such as the situation of activist Jimmy Lai, who is detained in Hong Kong, has led to criticism of Starmer within the UK as well.