Prime Minister Keir Starmer has concluded his visit to China with several agreements, though no major investment figures were announced. The deals include visa-free travel for Britons, a feasibility study on a services trade agreement, and enhanced cooperation on border security and business sectors.
One of the key outcomes is visa-free travel for UK citizens visiting China for up to 30 days, aligning the UK with 50 other countries. This is expected to boost tourism and business trips by removing bureaucratic hurdles.
On trade, the UK and China agreed to a feasibility study for a potential services deal. The UK exports £13bn worth of services to China annually, and a formal agreement could provide clearer rules for British firms. Business leaders like Melissa Geiger of KPMG UK welcomed the move, stating it would unlock trade and create jobs.
In border security, Starmer and President Xi Jinping signed an agreement to share intelligence to disrupt small boat crossings and opioid smuggling. Over half of small boat engines used in Channel crossings are believed to be Chinese-made, and the deal aims to cut supply at source.
Several memorandums of understanding were also signed to enhance collaboration in areas such as product standards, health, sports, technical education, and food safety. These build on the first UK-China economic summit since 2018, signalling a thaw in relations.
British businesses on the trip, including Arup CEO Jerome Frost, praised the agreements for deepening market access and supporting long-standing operations in China. Starmer noted that firms had sought clearer rules and practical support to meet Chinese consumer demand.
