Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has wrapped up a significant and contentious diplomatic visit to China, aimed at forging stronger economic ties between the two nations. The trip concluded with final meetings in Shanghai, following high-level discussions in Beijing.
Advocating for a 'More Sophisticated' Relationship
During the visit, Sir Keir called for a "more sophisticated" relationship with Beijing, a stance that has drawn criticism from some quarters. He faced accusations of "kowtowing" to Chinese President Xi Jinping, but the Prime Minister maintained his focus on pragmatic engagement.
Key Economic Agreements Secured
The visit yielded several concrete outcomes designed to boost bilateral trade and cooperation. Notably, China agreed to halve tariffs on Scotch whisky, reducing them to 5 per cent. This move is expected to provide a substantial boost to the UK's iconic whisky industry.
Furthermore, visa requirements for UK citizens visiting China for stays under 30 days have been removed, facilitating easier travel and business exchanges. In a major announcement, British pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca revealed a colossal 100 billion yuan investment in China, equivalent to approximately £10.4 billion.
Addressing Contentious Issues
Sir Keir stated that he held a "respectful discussion" with Chinese leaders on sensitive matters. These included the imprisonment of Hong Kong pro-democracy campaigner Jimmy Lai and concerns regarding the treatment of the Uighur minority. The Prime Minister emphasised dialogue on these human rights issues while pursuing economic partnerships.
Next Stop: Tokyo
Following the conclusion of his China visit, Sir Keir Starmer is now heading to Tokyo for further diplomatic meetings. The trip underscores the government's broader foreign policy strategy in the Asia-Pacific region, balancing economic interests with principled stances on international norms.
