UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Concludes Landmark State Visit to China, Forging New Economic Ties

Historic Visit Signals New Era in UK-China Relations

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer concluded a landmark state visit to China in late January 2026, marking the first such trip by a UK Prime Minister in eight years. The visit, spanning Beijing and Shanghai, aimed to reset relations and foster closer trade and economic ties between the two nations. Accompanied by a delegation of nearly 60 British business and cultural leaders, Prime Minister Starmer engaged in high-level discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Jining.

Key Agreements Bolster Trade and Investment

The state visit yielded several significant agreements designed to expand market access and boost economic cooperation. A major outcome was China's decision to grant visa-free entry for British citizens for stays of up to 30 days, aligning the UK with over 50 other countries enjoying similar access. Furthermore, China agreed to reduce tariffs on Scotch whisky from 10% to 5%, a move estimated to be worth £250 million to the UK economy over the next five years.

Investment deals were also a central focus, with Chinese companies committing to significant UK investments. These include:

• POP MART establishing London as its regional hub, planning 27 new European stores, including up to seven in the UK, creating over 150 UK jobs.
• Chery Commercial Vehicles, a leading Chinese automotive manufacturer, confirming its European Headquarters will open in Liverpool.
• HiTHIUM's investment of £200 million, creating 300 high-quality jobs in energy storage, enhancing the UK's sovereign capability.

Beyond these specific deals, agreements were reached to expand market access for UK firms across various sectors, including services, agriculture, food, retail, sport, and life sciences. A new food-safety cooperation mechanism was also established, alongside cooperation on product standards, health, sports industries, technical education, and animal and plant quarantine.

Diplomatic Reset and Strategic Dialogue

Prime Minister Starmer described his visit as an effort to forge a 'more sophisticated relationship' with China, balancing commercial opportunities with clear-eyed security guardrails. This approach marks a departure from what Starmer termed the 'ice age' in UK-China relations over the past decade. President Xi Jinping echoed the positive sentiment, stating that the meetings 'open a new chapter of cooperation' and expressing hope for a 'long-term, stable comprehensive strategic partnership.'

The discussions also touched upon sensitive issues. Starmer reportedly raised concerns regarding human rights, including the cases of pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai and the Uyghur community. In a significant diplomatic gesture, China lifted sanctions on six serving British Members of Parliament and peers. Additionally, both leaders agreed to enhanced intelligence sharing on organized crime and illegal immigration, specifically targeting gangs involved in opioid drug smuggling and the supply of small boats.

Future Outlook for UK-China Engagement

The visit underscores the UK's strategic pivot towards re-engaging with China, recognizing its role as the world's second-largest economy and the UK's third-largest trading partner. Prime Minister Starmer emphasized the importance of a consistent and pragmatic partnership to benefit British businesses and working people. The trip is seen as laying the groundwork for continued dialogue and cooperation, with both sides indicating a desire for further engagements to build on the momentum generated by this state visit.