BEIJING: China has agreed to relax rules allowing some visa-free travel for UK citizens, following Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Beijing on Thursday. Under the new arrangement, British nationals can visit China for up to 30 days without a visa, a move Starmer described as a significant boost for business and trade.
Starmer said the visa-free access would help British companies expand in China, supporting job growth at home and strengthening economic ties. The visit also included agreement to conduct a feasibility study that could lead to a bilateral services agreement, further facilitating trade and investment.
The partnership focuses on expanding links in Britain’s services sector, including healthcare, finance, legal services, education, and professional skills. Currently, the UK exports £13 billion worth of services to China annually, with demand expected to rise. The agreements aim to inject growth into Britain’s economy and provide new opportunities for UK firms operating in the Chinese market.
