Sir Keir Starmer's visit to China this week is the clearest sign yet the two countries are seeking to end the diplomatic 'ice age' that has defined their relationship. Both leaders face economic pressures at home and are seeking new opportunities for trade and investment.
For Sir Keir, the first UK prime minister to visit China since Theresa May in 2018, the trip was a chance to highlight the strength of British firms in finance, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, clean energy and car making. President Xi Jinping, meanwhile, aimed to show that China can be a reliable partner for Western economies, as US President Donald Trump continues to rattle the global trading system.
Although no sweeping free trade deal was reached, the visit marked a cautious but tangible reset of UK–China economic ties. Agreements on visas, services, healthcare, green technology and finance, combined with revived dialogue, might lead to better access for British firms to Chinese markets and greater Chinese investment in the UK.
The biggest commercial announcement came from AstraZeneca, which promised to invest $15bn (£11bn) in China over the next four years, expanding research and manufacturing of medicines. In the energy sector, British firm Octopus Energy is entering the Chinese market for the first time through a partnership with local company PCG Power to develop a digital platform for trading electricity, supporting China's efforts to increase the use of renewable energy.
China also agreed to halve tariffs on Scotch whisky, which could generate £250m for the British economy over the next five years. This reflects the significance of whisky distilleries for Scotland.
Moreover, a significant outcome was the agreement on visa-free travel for British citizens visiting China for up to 30 days, enhancing accessibility and fostering tourism and business exchanges.
For Beijing, renewed ties with the UK represent a strategic maneuver to assert itself as a dependable partner for the West amid ongoing tensions with the US. Economically, the reset secures access for Chinese exporters of high-value goods while creating opportunities for Chinese investment in British services and technology.
However, challenges remain, including a complex regulatory environment and concerns about transparency in business practices within China. Sir Keir Starmer's government aims to navigate these obstacles, viewing the revitalization of UK-China relations as a critical step towards bolstering economic growth at home.
The visit also comes amidst a backdrop of other countries seeking to strengthen ties with China, aiming to diversify trade partnerships in an increasingly unpredictable global landscape. As the UK continues to engage with China, it must balance these diplomatic relationships carefully to leverage benefits while managing geopolitical risks.
