Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Lead Business Delegation on Landmark China Visit

Starmer to Embark on First UK Leader Visit Since 2018

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly preparing for a significant visit to China next week, marking the first such trip by a British leader since 2018. The visit, anticipated to take place between January 29 and 31, aims to recalibrate the relationship between the two nations, focusing on economic ties and diplomatic engagement.

Reviving Economic Dialogue with British Business Leaders

A key component of Starmer's agenda is the revival of a 'golden era' business dialogue, which will see him accompanied by a high-profile delegation of British business leaders. Reports indicate that representatives from major companies such as BP, HSBC, Intercontinental Hotels Group, Jaguar Land Rover, and Rolls-Royce are expected to join the Prime Minister. These firms are also slated to participate in a revamped 'UK-China CEO council,' signaling a concerted effort to deepen trade and investment.

Context: Embassy Approval and Shifting UK-China Relations

The timing of Starmer's visit follows the recent approval by the UK government for China to construct a new, expansive embassy in London. This decision has been widely seen as a crucial step in paving the way for improved bilateral relations, with analysts suggesting it removed a significant diplomatic hurdle. However, the embassy approval has not been without controversy, drawing concerns regarding national security and opposition from local residents and human rights groups.

Since taking office in 2024, Prime Minister Starmer has prioritized economic revival and expressed a desire for closer relations with China to boost foreign investment. He has previously criticized past Conservative governments for allowing ties with Beijing to deteriorate, advocating for a 'consistent, respectful and pragmatic' approach that balances national security with economic interests. While emphasizing the importance of trade and investment, Starmer has also indicated an intention to address areas of disagreement, including human rights, Hong Kong, and Russia's war in Ukraine, during his discussions.