Starmer to Embark on First UK-China Trade Mission Since 2018, Signaling Economic Reset
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A renewed focus on economic cooperation and pragmatic engagement with Beijing marks a significant shift in British foreign policy.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will travel to China on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, marking the first visit by a UK leader to the nation since 2018. The trip aims to revitalize the bilateral relationship, particularly in the realm of economics, after a period of distance fostered by previous Conservative administrations. Starmer, who assumed office in July 2024, will be accompanied by a delegation of British business leaders seeking to attract investment and bolster commercial ties.
A Pragmatic Approach to a Critical Relationship
The Prime Minister’s visit comes amid ongoing debate regarding the UK’s relationship with China. A Downing Street spokesperson emphasized that Starmer’s approach will be “pragmatic and adult,” prioritizing the national interest and the economic well-being of British families. “To stick our heads in the sand and pretend that China doesn’t matter would be foolhardy, making the UK poorer and less safe,” the spokesperson stated. This sentiment reflects a growing recognition within the Labor government of China’s economic importance, even as concerns regarding human rights and national security persist.
From “Golden Era” to Strategic Distance
The current shift represents a departure from the policies of recent years. Under David Cameron’s leadership, from 2010 to 2016, the UK and China enjoyed a period often referred to as a “golden era,” characterized by extensive technological and financial cooperation. This culminated in a state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping in October 2015, during which he was received by Queen Elizabeth II and famously sampled traditional British fare like fish and chips.
However, following the Brexit referendum and a change in Conservative leadership, the relationship cooled. Theresa May’s 2018 visit to Beijing proved to be the last by a British Prime Minister for several years. Subsequent governments, particularly under Boris Johnson, scaled back agreements reached with China, restricting Chinese investment in projects like the Hinkley Point C nuclear plant and vetoing Huawei’s participation in the UK’s 5G network. Political rhetoric increasingly framed China as a threat to national security.
Starmer’s decision to pursue closer ties with China has not been without controversy. The recent authorization of a new Chinese embassy near Tower Bridge in London, on January 20, 2026, faced opposition from Conservative and some Labor MPs who voiced concerns about potential interference in critical infrastructure.
According to reports, the Prime Minister hopes to secure Beijing’s approval for reforms to the British embassy in China during this trip, alongside negotiations on broader cooperation, including addressing illegal immigration. Despite the risk of internal criticism, the government views a stronger relationship with China as crucial to achieving its economic goals. The UK’s economic growth has been stagnant, and the increasingly protectionist policies of the United States – a key trading partner – necessitate diversifying international alliances.
Furthermore, the evolving dynamic with the United States and the complexities of navigating a post-Brexit relationship with the European Union compel the British government to explore alternative partnerships. Maintaining a cautious approach to the EU, while avoiding any perception of undermining the 2016 referendum results, adds another layer of complexity to the UK’s foreign policy strategy.
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