US President Donald Trump has warned Britain against deepening business ties with China, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer promoted the economic advantages of improving relations with Beijing during his official visit. The warning came after Starmer held lengthy talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where he called for a more advanced and balanced relationship focused on better market access, reduced tariffs and increased investment, alongside broader cultural discussions.
Speaking in Washington, Trump described closer UK-China economic cooperation as dangerous, though he did not provide further details. His comments followed recent trade tensions, including threats of tariffs against Canada after its prime minister pursued economic agreements with Beijing. Neither Downing Street nor China’s foreign ministry immediately responded to the remarks.
Meanwhile in Beijing, Starmer told business leaders that his discussions with President Xi had met expectations and produced tangible progress, highlighting Britain’s economic strengths and global appeal. He pointed to agreements on visa-free travel and reduced whisky tariffs as meaningful steps that symbolised growing trust and cooperation between the two countries.
Resetting ties with China has become a key objective for Starmer’s Labour government as it seeks to stimulate economic growth and expand trade opportunities. The visit takes place against a backdrop of uncertainty in global trade, with fluctuating US tariff threats and broader geopolitical tensions unsettling traditional allies.
Starmer has stressed that Britain does not see its relationship with China as a choice between Beijing and Washington, underlining the UK’s deep and enduring partnership with the United States in defence, security, intelligence and trade. He cited significant US investment commitments to Britain as evidence that stronger engagement with China does not undermine transatlantic ties.
Although generally cautious in his criticism of Trump, Starmer has recently taken firmer positions, urging the US president to apologise for controversial remarks about NATO forces and rejecting any pressure related to Greenland.
Scepticism remains in Washington over Britain’s China strategy, with senior US officials warning that exporting to China is difficult due to its dominance in global manufacturing. However, US officials have indicated that Britain is unlikely to face trade retaliation unless its leadership openly challenges American interests.
