Prime Minister Keir Starmer has firmly dismissed Donald Trump's recent characterisation of Britain's diplomatic outreach to China as "very dangerous," offering a pointed rebuttal that underscores the former US President's own planned engagement with Beijing.
Trump's Unexpected Intervention During Film Premiere
The public critique emerged unexpectedly as Trump spoke to reporters at the premiere of a new film featuring his wife, Melania. When questioned about the United Kingdom pursuing closer economic ties with China, the former President issued a stark warning. "Well, it's very dangerous for them to do that, and it's even more dangerous, I think, for Canada to get into business with China," Trump stated, before making a peculiar reference to ice hockey.
He continued, "Canada is not doing well, they're doing very poorly, and you can't look at China as the answer. I know China very well. I know President Xi is a friend of mine. I know him very well. But that's a big hurdle to go over.... First thing they are going to do is say you're not allowed to play ice hockey any more. That's not good."
Starmer's Calm Rebuttal in Shanghai
Responding from Shanghai, where he had just concluded nearly three hours of talks with President Xi Jinping, Starmer downplayed the remarks. "President Trump’s comments, which I have seen, look to me as if they are directed more (towards) the Canadians than us," the Prime Minister told assembled journalists.
He then delivered his key counterpoint, noting, "I think I'm right in saying that President Trump himself is expected to visit China in April." This visit follows an invitation extended by President Xi at the end of 2025.
Defending Strategic Engagement for UK Prosperity
Pressed by the BBC on Trump's specific mention of the UK, Starmer mounted a robust defence of his government's foreign policy approach. He emphasised the longstanding and vital economic relationship between Britain and China.
"We have traded with China for a long time now," Starmer explained. "This visit is about opening it up, giving the confidence and the certainty that business needs to enhance that relationship and that will mean a huge amount of wealth creation back in the United Kingdom and jobs back in the United Kingdom."
A Focus on Domestic Economic Priorities
The Prime Minister directly linked his international diplomacy to pressing domestic concerns. "Whenever I am on an international trip I keep firmly in mind that the single most important issue for your viewers back at home is the cost of living," he stated.
He argued that engagement with the world's second-largest economy is not optional but a necessity for national prosperity. "Given China is the second biggest economy in the world, and our third biggest trading partner if you take Hong Kong as well, it is foolhardy to sit with your head in the sand and refuse to engage."
Ministerial Support and Broader Political Context
Starmer's position was echoed by UK Trade Minister Sir Chris Bryant, who earlier labelled the idea of not engaging with China as "absolutely bonkers." When asked if Trump was wrong, Sir Chris affirmed, "Yes, he is wrong, and I say this precisely because, apart from anything else, he himself said in his own statement that he is a friend with President Xi, and as I understand it, President Trump is going to China himself in April."
Starmer's visit to China marks the first by a British Prime Minister since 2018, representing a significant step in deepening the bilateral alliance. The discussions focused on strengthening economic and diplomatic ties, a move the government believes is crucial for post-Brexit Britain's global positioning and economic security.
