Trump Warns UK on China While Starmer Strengthens Ties with Beijing

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to China marks a major shift in relations, as he becomes the first UK leader to visit since 2018. Starmer’s talk with President Xi Jinping on Thursday aimed to build a “more sophisticated relationship” with improved market access, lower tariffs, and investment deals. The meetings resulted in agreements on visa-free travel and reduced whisky tariffs, covering a range of economic and diplomatic topics. U.S. President Donald Trump warned the UK against strengthening ties with China, calling it “very dangerous.” Starmer, however, remained undeterred, stressing Britain’s long-standing relationship with the U.S. while pursuing closer economic ties with China. He added that London would not have to choose between the two nations, highlighting Trump’s September UK visit, which secured £150 billion in U.S. investments.