WASHINGTON/BEIJING: US President Donald Trump has warned that Britain’s efforts to deepen economic ties with China are “very dangerous,” as Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended his government’s strategy during a high-profile visit to Beijing aimed at boosting trade and investment.
Read More: Starmer seeks China ties amid US tensions
Trump made the remarks on Friday when asked about Starmer’s trip, offering no further explanation. His comments came as Western allies continue to grapple with the US president’s unpredictable foreign policy and aggressive trade posture.
As Sir Keir Starmer does deals with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Donald Trump warns against it, calling it a ‘dangerous’ thing for the UK to do.
The US President also has a dig at Canada for looking at doing business with China.
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Starmer held three-hour talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday, calling for a “more sophisticated relationship” between the two countries. The British prime minister highlighted progress on visa-free travel, reduced tariffs on British whisky, improved market access and new investment opportunities, describing the outcomes as “real progress” and symbolic of renewed trust.
Speaking at the UK-China Business Forum in Beijing, Starmer said resetting relations with China was essential for economic growth, particularly as his Labour government faces pressure to deliver on promises made after taking office in July 2024. He later met senior Chinese business leaders, including executives from automaker Chery, which plans to establish a research and development centre in Liverpool.
British trade minister Chris Bryant rejected Trump’s warning, saying the UK was approaching relations with China “with eyes wide open” and balancing economic engagement with national security concerns.
Starmer has insisted that Britain does not need to choose between Washington and Beijing, stressing the UK’s close defence, intelligence and trade relationship with the United States. He also noted that Washington had been briefed in advance on the objectives of his China visit.
Read More: Starmer calls Trump’s Afghanistan comments “appalling”
The visit comes amid heightened transatlantic tensions, with Trump threatening tariffs on allies and making controversial statements on Nato and Greenland. While Starmer has generally avoided direct confrontation with Trump, he has recently pushed back more openly, including calling for an apology over comments about Nato troops.
US officials remain sceptical. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said exporting to China was “very difficult,” casting doubt on the commercial payoff of Starmer’s outreach.