London, January 28, 2026 — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has embarked on a high-stakes visit to China, aiming to reset relations after what he characterized as years of “inconsistency” under previous governments. But a raft of thorny issues—from human rights concerns to geopolitical tensions—threatens to complicate his efforts to forge a more stable partnership with the world’s second-largest economy.
Human Rights at the Forefront
The fate of jailed pro-democracy advocate Jimmy Lai is expected to be a key point of contention during Starmer’s meetings with Chinese officials.
Lai faces a potential life sentence, and concerns are mounting over his physical well-being. Starmer will likely face pressure to advocate for his release, alongside raising the plight of the Uyghurs, a Muslim minority in China subjected to forced labor programs. Given his background as a human rights lawyer, Starmer is expected to prioritize these issues.
Taiwan Tensions and Strategic Concerns
President Xi Jinping may also raise the issue of Taiwan, the self-governing island that Beijing claims as its territory. China insists the West remain neutral on the matter, but unification remains a top priority for Xi, who hasn’t ruled out the use of force. Aggression towards Taiwan has escalated under his leadership, with increased military intimidation and harassment tactics.
U.S. intelligence assessments suggest Xi has ordered the military to be prepared to invade Taiwan by 2027, making this a critical timeframe. While the UK doesn’t recognize Taiwan as an independent state, a previous visit by a British government minister to the territory prompted China to threaten canceling trade talks—a situation diplomats narrowly averted. Starmer is expected to navigate this sensitive issue with caution.
The New Embassy and Security Risks
Just last week, the UK government approved China’s plans to build a large new embassy near the Tower of London, a project initially greenlit by Boris Johnson in 2024. Beijing considers the embassy a high priority, and Xi directly discussed the matter with the prime minister in August 2024.
The decision followed concerns raised by MPs across the political spectrum regarding potential espionage risks, given the embassy’s proximity to critical data cables. Spy chiefs reportedly reassured ministers that these risks could be managed. However, local residents are planning a legal challenge, and the government hopes the approval will unlock progress on the UK’s own dilapidated embassy in Beijing, which has been stalled due to the dispute.
National Security and Espionage Concerns
Deep anxieties persist in the UK regarding China’s alleged attempts to spy on politicians and infiltrate critical infrastructure. In November 2025, MI5 issued an alert after identifying attempts to recruit parliamentarians through LinkedIn profiles linked to Chinese intelligence services.
China has also sanctioned several British MPs and peers. The UK previously imposed sanctions in 2014 on groups accused of cyber espionage targeting politicians, journalists, and critics of Beijing. Allegations of harassment against Hong Kong pro-democracy activists in the UK and suppression of academic criticism further fuel these concerns. Downing Street maintains that Starmer is “clear-eyed” about the national security threats posed by China, both domestically and internationally, and will not shy away from raising these issues.
This could include urging Xi to leverage his influence with Vladimir Putin to de-escalate the conflict in Ukraine. While China claims neutrality, it has reportedly provided Russia with financial support, components, and diplomatic cover.
Economic Ties and Global Ambitions
The primary goal of Starmer’s trip is to bolster economic ties, reflected in the 50-strong business and cultural delegation accompanying him. The visit itself—the first by a British prime minister to China in eight years—symbolizes the UK’s renewed focus on growth and prosperity.
Securing investment in key infrastructure, such as the steel industry, is a priority. However, the UK remains a relatively small player in China’s global economic strategy, ranking as Beijing’s third-largest trading partner but not even within its top ten overall. China is demonstrably more focused on the European Union as a whole.
Starmer will undoubtedly present a compelling case for closer ties. However, China views strengthened political relations with the UK as a strategic win, particularly as it seeks to expand its global influence amid a perceived retreat by the United States.
The Trump Factor
The unpredictable nature of Donald Trump adds another layer of complexity. After Mark Carney visited Beijing, Trump threatened to impose a 100% tariff on goods from Canada if they pursued any trade deals with China. Canada quickly dismissed the possibility of such a deal, but the threat served as a warning to other Western nations considering closer economic ties with China.
The government has emphasized Starmer’s positive relationship with Trump and noted that the former president is also planning a visit to Beijing in April. Starmer will also likely seek assurances from China regarding the Chagos Islands, following Trump’s unexpected reversal on a previous agreement.
