Trump Condemns Starmer's China Trip as PM Touches Down in Shanghai
US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning against the United Kingdom strengthening economic ties with China, branding the move as "very dangerous" for Britain. His comments came as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer arrived in Shanghai for the next phase of his diplomatic visit to the Asian superpower.
High-Level Meetings and Diplomatic Push
Sir Keir Starmer met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday, where he advocated for a "more sophisticated" bilateral relationship between the two nations. The Prime Minister's itinerary has included high-profile engagements with Chinese ministers and business leaders, aiming to bolster economic cooperation.
During his time in Beijing, Sir Keir addressed the UK-China Business Forum at the Bank of China headquarters and held discussions with Chinese Health Minister Ma Xiaowei and Bank of China chairman Ge Haijiao. His arrival in Shanghai, China's premier financial hub, marks the continuation of this significant trade mission.
Trump's Strong Opposition and International Context
When questioned by reporters about the UK's efforts to enhance economic links with China, President Trump expressed clear disapproval. "Well, it's very dangerous for them to do that, and it's even more dangerous, I think, for Canada to get into business with China," he stated, adding that "you can't look at China as the answer."
The US President's remarks referenced Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's recent visit to China in January, where both countries reached a preliminary agreement to reduce tariffs on selected goods. Trump later threatened Canada with a 100% tariff on exports if Ottawa pursued a free trade agreement with China, though Carney denied any such plans.
UK Government Response and Strategic Positioning
UK officials have emphasised that the United States was fully aware of Sir Keir's trip and its objectives beforehand. They pointed to President Trump's own anticipated visit to China scheduled for April as evidence of ongoing diplomatic engagement.
Trade Minister Sir Chris Bryant directly countered Trump's assessment, telling BBC Breakfast: "Yes, he is wrong, and I say this precisely because, apart from anything else, he himself said in his own statement that he is a friend with President Xi."
Ahead of his journey, Sir Keir told Bloomberg he would not be forced to choose between Washington and Beijing, stating: "I'm often invited to simply choose between countries. I don't do that."
Concrete Outcomes and Trade Agreements
The Prime Minister's visit has yielded several tangible agreements designed to strengthen economic relations:
- Tariffs on Scotch whisky are set to be halved to 5%
- UK citizens visiting China for fewer than 30 days will no longer require a visa
- Octopus Energy Group, Britain's largest energy supplier, will establish a new joint venture with China's PCG Power to trade renewable energy in China
Political Criticism and Human Rights Discussions
Sir Keir has faced criticism from political opponents who have accused him of "kowtowing" to President Xi during the visit. However, the Prime Minister has consistently emphasised the financial benefits of an improved relationship with China.
The trip has also involved calls for the Prime Minister to address human rights concerns, including the imprisonment of Hong Kong pro-democracy campaigner Jimmy Lai and the treatment of the Uighur minority. Sir Keir reported having a "respectful discussion" on these issues with Chinese leadership, though both he and Downing Street declined to provide specific details about conversations on contentious matters.
According to his son, 78-year-old British national Jimmy Lai has endured five years in solitary confinement under Hong Kong's national security law, treatment described as amounting to "torture."
Historical Significance and Future Prospects
This visit represents the first trip to China by a UK Prime Minister since 2018. Number 10 has indicated openness to a future visit to Britain by President Xi, whose last state visit occurred in October 2015.
Sir Keir's Shanghai engagement concludes a significant diplomatic mission that has balanced economic opportunities with complex geopolitical considerations, against a backdrop of international scrutiny and competing strategic interests.
