Donald Trump has warned that it is “very dangerous” for the UK to do business with China, comments made as Prime Minister Keir Starmer continued his official visit to the country. The remarks came shortly after Starmer announced a series of agreements designed to strengthen trade and investment ties between the two nations following his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Speaking to reporters at the premiere of a documentary about his wife Melania, Trump described Xi as “a friend” and said he knew the Chinese leader “very well,” but he cautioned against UK engagement with Beijing. He did not provide further detail on his concerns over Britain’s dealings, instead turning his criticism toward Canada, which he said was in an “even more dangerous” economic position after recent discussions with China and the threat of US tariffs.
Downing Street responded by noting that the US had been informed about Starmer’s visit and its objectives in advance. Officials also highlighted that Trump is expected to visit China in April.
Starmer, speaking on Friday at a UK–China Business Forum hosted by the Bank of China, said the talks had achieved “just the level of engagement that we hoped for” and described the UK–China relationship as being in a “good, strong place.” He added: “We warmly engaged and made some real progress. The UK has a huge amount to offer.”
Among the agreements reached were a reduction in Chinese tariffs on UK whisky, the introduction of visa-free travel for British visitors to China, and a £10.9 billion investment by AstraZeneca to build new manufacturing facilities in the country. Both sides also pledged further co-operation on tackling organised crime and illegal immigration.
According to the UK Department for Business and Trade, the US was Britain’s largest single-country trading partner in 2025, with China ranking fourth. Chris Torrens, chair of the British Chamber of Commerce in China, described Starmer’s visit as “successful,” noting that engagement with major trading partners is a practical step for the UK amid shifting global economic dynamics.
The visit has attracted criticism from opposition MPs, who raised concerns about national security and China’s human rights record. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp accused the government of “trading national security for economic crumbs.” China has faced widespread international criticism over its treatment of Uyghur and other Muslim ethnic groups, as well as high-profile cases like that of Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai. Government ministers have maintained that intelligence agencies are closely involved in assessing and managing associated risks.
Starmer’s visit, the first by a UK prime minister to China since 2018, concludes in Shanghai before he travels to Tokyo for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, reflecting London’s broader strategy to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties across Asia.
