Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has robustly dismissed criticism from former US President Donald Trump over his pursuit of closer economic ties with China. Sir Keir characterised any refusal to engage with the world's second-largest economy as profoundly 'foolhardy', directly countering Mr Trump's public warning that such dealings are 'very dangerous' for the United Kingdom.
A Strategic Economic Imperative
The Prime Minister's forceful defence came as Downing Street confirmed his diplomatic mission to Beijing would generate a substantial financial boost for the UK economy. Officials announced the visit has secured approximately £2.2 billion in new export deals, alongside an estimated £2.3 billion in market access wins projected over the next five years. This represents a significant rebuttal to critics who suggested the trip might conclude without tangible results.
Redirecting Trump's Critique
When questioned by the BBC about President Trump's stark caution, Sir Keir suggested the remarks were likely intended more for Canada than for Britain. He pointed to the US President's recent threats to impose 100 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods following Ottawa's discussions of a free trade agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
'The US/UK relationship is very close so we discussed this visit with his team before we came on the visit,' Sir Keir stated, emphasising ongoing diplomatic coordination. 'Given China is the second biggest economy in the world, and our third biggest trading partner, if you take Hong Kong as well, it's foolhardy to sit with your head in the sand and refuse to engage.'
Substantial Investment Inflows
The announced commercial agreements underscore the Prime Minister's argument. Several major Chinese firms have committed to establishing or expanding significant operations within the UK. Pop Mart, the manufacturer behind the wildly popular Labubu toy brand, plans to set up a regional headquarters in London. The company intends to launch up to twenty-seven new retail outlets across Europe, with as many as seven slated for England.
Further investments include the decision by Chery, a prominent Chinese truck and van manufacturer, to open its European headquarters in Liverpool. In the energy sector, the firm HiTHIUM is set to invest £200 million into UK energy storage projects, an initiative expected to create around three hundred new jobs.
Boosting British Exports
The benefits are decidedly reciprocal, with several British companies poised to significantly increase their footprint in the Chinese market. Iconic bicycle manufacturer Brompton is on track to achieve sales exceeding £100 million in China over the coming three-year period. Additionally, Glasgow Prestwick Airport has announced a landmark £76 million export deal facilitated by new direct cargo services linking Scotland to China.
Business Secretary Peter Kyle hailed the outcomes, stating: 'We will leave China having put our relationship with one of the world's biggest economies on a stronger footing, unlocking billions for the UK, and setting the course for new commercial partnerships.'
Growing Diplomatic Distance from Trump
This public disagreement marks the third notable policy divergence between Sir Keir and Mr Trump in under two weeks, following earlier disputes concerning Greenland and the contributions of NATO troops in Afghanistan. The Prime Minister's stance signals a confident and independent approach to UK foreign economic policy, prioritising national commercial interests.
Personal and Security Dimensions
Beyond the economic discussions, Sir Keir revealed he would be content to take his own family on holiday to China, following a new agreement to waive visa requirements for business travellers and tourists staying fewer than thirty days. On matters of security during the sensitive visit, the Prime Minister confirmed his team took 'the necessary precautions', widely understood to include the use of basic 'burner' phones devoid of sensitive data. He humorously noted he was not advised to adopt the unusual dressing protocol reportedly suggested to former Prime Minister Theresa May.
'No, I wasn't, and I didn't,' he told Sky News with a smile, referencing the anecdote about getting dressed under bedcovers for security.
The successful conclusion of this high-stakes visit, with its multi-billion-pound announcements, solidifies Sir Keir Starmer's commitment to a pragmatic and engaged trade relationship with China, firmly placing economic opportunity at the forefront of his international agenda.
