Prime Minister Keir Starmer Concludes China Visit with Major Economic Announcements
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has returned from a significant three-day diplomatic mission to China, heralding the successful negotiation of substantial trade and investment agreements designed to benefit the British economy. Throughout his visit, Sir Keir consistently emphasised that his strategy of re-engaging with China would yield tangible advantages for businesses and working people across the United Kingdom.
Billions in Economic Gains Secured for UK
Downing Street has confirmed that the trade-focused visit resulted in securing £2.2 billion in immediate export deals and market access valued at an additional £2.3 billion over the next five years. This was complemented by hundreds of millions of pounds in direct investment from Chinese corporations into the UK. Sir Keir, speaking at a reception in Shanghai, stated: “We are bringing stability, clarity and a long-term strategy to how we engage with China, so we can bring home the benefits for businesses and for working people. Engaging with China is how we secure growth for British businesses, support good jobs at home and protect our national security.”
Key Investment Deals and Market Access
The visit yielded several high-profile commitments from Chinese firms:
- Pop Mart, the manufacturer behind the viral Labubu dolls, has pledged to open seven new retail stores in the UK. This includes a flagship location on London's Oxford Street, with additional outlets planned for Birmingham and Cardiff. When questioned about the popular toy, Sir Keir humorously noted to ITV News that he had been gifted one but doubted its longevity with his children.
- Automotive manufacturer Chery announced plans to establish its European headquarters in Liverpool, a city already hosting a major Jaguar Land Rover plant.
- On the cultural front, the World Snooker Tour secured a new event in two Chinese cities, projected to generate up to £15 million for the UK.
Tariff Reductions and Visa Agreements
Further economic benefits were confirmed earlier in the week, with China agreeing to halve its tariffs on whisky exports, a move anticipated to be worth approximately £250 million to the UK industry over the coming five years. Sir Keir confirmed these reduced tariffs would take effect from the following Monday. Additionally, an agreement in principle was reached on visa-free travel to China for British nationals, though specific details of the scheme are pending final confirmation. Downing Street expressed full confidence in its implementation.
Political and Diplomatic Outcomes
Beyond commerce, the Prime Minister secured a notable political concession, with Chinese President Xi Jinping agreeing to lift sanctions on six British parliamentarians. Sir Keir told the BBC this demonstrated that engagement allowed him to raise “difficult, sensitive issues which you can’t raise if you are not in the room.” However, the visit was not without domestic criticism. Some MPs and peers, while welcoming the lifted sanctions, stated they took “no comfort” in the decision while human rights concerns regarding figures like Jimmy Lai and the Uighur minority remained unaddressed.
International Reactions and the Journey Home
The warming of UK-China relations has drawn scrutiny from international allies, notably former US President Donald Trump, who labelled the visit “dangerous.” Sir Keir dismissed this criticism during interviews in Shanghai, suggesting Mr. Trump's focus lay elsewhere and reaffirming the strong alliance between Britain and America. The Prime Minister concluded his trip with meetings alongside senior Chinese Communist Party officials in Shanghai before departing for Japan. There, he is scheduled to hold a working dinner with the country's new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, en route back to the UK.
