Donald Trump warned that it was “very dangerous” for the UK to do business with China as Sir Keir Starmer arrived in Shanghai. The prime minister reached the city on the third day of his visit to China. Trump reacted to new agreements designed to expand trade and investment between Britain and China. Officials announced those agreements after Sir Keir met President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
Trump made the remarks while attending a documentary premiere about his wife, Melania, on Thursday. He described Xi as a friend and said he knew the Chinese president very well. Trump did not add further detail about his concerns over Britain’s approach to China.
UK ministers dismiss US criticism
Business minister Sir Chris Bryant rejected Trump’s comments. He said it would be bonkers for Britain to ignore China’s role on the global stage. Bryant said the UK engaged with China while remaining fully aware of the risks. He also noted that Trump is expected to visit China himself in April.
Downing Street responded by stressing that US officials knew about the visit in advance. Government sources said Washington understood the objectives before the trip began. Officials sought to downplay any suggestion of diplomatic friction.
Trump shifts focus to Canada
A reporter asked Trump about Britain’s business ties with China at the film premiere. Trump answered briefly before turning his attention elsewhere. He said Canada faced even greater danger from economic engagement with China. Trump said Canada was performing poorly and should not see China as a solution.
Earlier this week, Trump threatened to impose tariffs on Canada. He issued the warning after Prime Minister Mark Carney travelled to Beijing. Canadian officials discussed new economic agreements during that visit.
Starmer talks up relations with Beijing
Sir Keir said the UK’s relationship with China stood in a good and strong place. He spoke after talks with Xi at the Great Hall of the People. On Friday, he said the meetings delivered the level of engagement Britain had hoped for. He said both sides made genuine progress.
Sir Keir later addressed the UK-China Business Forum at the Bank of China in Beijing. He said Britain had a great deal to offer China. He described the discussions as warm and productive.
Trade, travel and investment agreements unveiled
Several outcomes followed Sir Keir’s visit. Britain and China agreed to introduce visa-free travel arrangements. They also agreed to lower tariffs on whisky exports. AstraZeneca announced a £10.9bn investment to build manufacturing facilities in China.
The two governments also agreed to co-operate on organised crime and illegal immigration. The agreement will enable intelligence sharing on people-smuggling supply routes. UK officials say inflatable dinghies used in small boat crossings often include parts sourced in China.
Other agreements aim to reduce red tape for British exporters. Britain and China also committed to collaboration on health challenges. Officials highlighted antimicrobial resistance as a key priority.
Business leaders back engagement
The United States remained Britain’s largest single-country trading partner in 2025. China ranked fourth, according to official trade figures. Business groups closely monitored Sir Keir’s visit.
Chris Torrens, chair of the British Chamber of Commerce in China, praised the trip as successful. He said it made sense for Britain to engage with one of its largest trading partners. Torrens said many Western leaders had recently visited Beijing or planned visits soon.
He added that the US criticised other economies for doing deals with China. He said Washington itself might still reach an agreement with Beijing this year.
Political backlash and security concerns
Sir Keir arrived in Shanghai on Friday morning. The city marked his final stop in China. He plans to travel next to Tokyo for a working dinner with Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi.
Opposition MPs criticised the visit sharply. They said it was the first trip to China by a UK prime minister since 2018. Critics warned about risks to national security and cited China’s human rights record.
The UN has accused China of serious human rights violations against Uyghurs and other Muslim groups. China also faces criticism over the treatment of Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai. Lai faces a potential life sentence.
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp accused Sir Keir of bowing to President Xi. He said the government traded national security for economic crumbs. Ministers faced similar criticism earlier this month over plans for a large new Chinese embassy in central London.
Security Minister Dan Jarvis defended that decision. He said intelligence agencies played an integral role. He said authorities managed the risks appropriately.
