Trump Warns UK Against Business Deals with China as Starmer Visits Shanghai
Former President Donald Trump has cautioned that it is very dangerous for the UK to engage in business with China. This statement came as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer landed in Shanghai for the third day of his significant visit to strengthen ties between the UK and China.
– Trump was responding to recent agreements aimed at bolstering trade and investment between the UK and China, established during Sir Keir’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
– Speaking at the premiere of a documentary about his wife Melania, Trump described Xi as a friend and claimed to know the Chinese leader very well.
In a rebuttal, UK Business Minister Sir Chris Bryant asserted that Trump’s perspective is wrong. He emphasized the necessity of recognizing China’s role on the global stage, stating, It would be bonkers, frankly, for the UK to ignore the presence of China. Bryant also noted that Trump himself plans to visit China in April, implying that engagement is vital.
Insights from Starmer’s China Visit
Downing Street confirmed that the US was briefed on Sir Keir Starmer’s trip and its objectives prior to his departure. The implications of Starmer’s visit extend beyond immediate business deals.
– Following his discussions with Xi at the Great Hall of the People, Sir Keir reported that UK-China relations are in a good, strong place, attributing this progress to very good meetings.
– Several key outcomes from Starmer’s journey include:
– An agreement on visa-free travel for certain UK citizens.
– A reduction in whisky tariffs benefiting UK exports.
– A substantial £10.9 billion investment by AstraZeneca for manufacturing facilities in China.
– A collaboration between the UK and China to combat organized crime and illegal immigration, focusing on human trafficking routes.
The UK government has highlighted that components used in inflatable dinghies for migrants often originate from China, making this agreement critical.
Additionally, both nations agreed to work together to minimize bureaucracy for UK exporters and tackle health challenges like antimicrobial resistance.
UK-China Trade Relations and International Context
According to the Department for Business and Trade, the US was the UK’s largest single-country trade partner in 2025, with China ranking fourth. Chris Torrens, chair of the British Chamber of Commerce in China, praised Starmer’s visit as successful, underscoring that it makes sense for the UK to engage with one of its larger trading partners.
– Torrens noted that while the US might impose sanctions and tariffs on nations collaborating with China, it is also expected to negotiate its own deals with China soon.
As Starmer concludes his visit in Shanghai, he prepares to head to Tokyo for a working dinner with Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi.
Despite these economic developments, opposition MPs have voiced concerns about the potential risks to UK national security and China’s human rights record, citing UN accusations of serious violations against the Uyghurs and other ethnic groups. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticized Sir Keir for his trip, suggesting it undermines the UK’s national security in favor of economic benefits.
Security Minister Dan Jarvis affirmed that intelligence agencies played a crucial role in decision-making processes regarding China’s new embassy plans in London, ensuring that any associated risks are properly managed.
As discussions on business operations with China continue, the balance between economic opportunity and national security remains a topic of intense debate.