Key Takeaways
- Keir Starmer’s visit to China is the first by a British prime minister since 2018, aiming to strengthen political and business ties with Beijing.
- The visit may help mend the UK-China relationship after years of acrimony over issues such as Hong Kong, Ukraine, and security concerns.
- Starmer seeks to balance engagement with China while remaining vigilant about potential security threats and maintaining a close relationship with the US.
- The visit offers China a chance to portray itself as a stable and reliable partner amidst global disorder.
- Starmer hopes to make progress on visa-free travel between the UK and China, but concerns over security risks remain.
Introduction to Starmer’s Visit
Keir Starmer, the British prime minister, has begun his first visit to China since 2018, marking a significant step towards strengthening political and business ties with Beijing. The visit comes at a time when relations between Western countries and the US are becoming increasingly volatile. Starmer’s approach to China has been criticized by some British and US politicians, but he believes that Britain must remain engaged with the world’s second-largest economy. As he told reporters on the plane, "It doesn’t make sense to stick our head in the ground and bury it in the sand when it comes to China, it’s in our interests to engage."
Background on UK-China Relations
The visit could mark a shift in ties between Britain and China after years of deep acrimony over Beijing’s crackdown on political freedoms in Hong Kong, China’s support for Russia in the Ukraine war, and allegations by British security services that China regularly spies on politicians and officials. The UK and China have had a complex relationship in recent years, with tensions rising over various issues. However, Starmer’s visit offers an opportunity for both countries to reset their relationship and explore new areas of cooperation. With a delegation of over 50 business leaders, Starmer will meet with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang on Thursday before traveling to Shanghai on Friday for talks with local executives.
Global Context and Diplomatic Efforts
The visit takes place amidst a flurry of diplomacy between European countries and China, as they hedge against unpredictability from the US under President Donald Trump. Trump’s recent threats to impose a 100% tariff on Canadian goods if that country’s prime minister signs a trade deal with China have added to the tensions. Starmer’s trip follows tensions with Trump over his comments on Britain’s deal to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius and his criticism of NATO allies during the war in Afghanistan. Despite these challenges, Starmer insists that Britain can continue to strengthen economic ties with China without angering Trump, citing the country’s long history of working closely with the US.
Starmer’s Approach to China
Starmer was reluctant to be drawn on what he would discuss with Chinese leaders, or if he would bring up the fate of Jimmy Lai, the former Hong Kong media tycoon who was convicted in December of national security crimes. He also declined to say whether he would ask China to pressure Russia to end its war against Ukraine. However, he expressed hope that he could make some "progress" on visa-free travel between the UK and China. Starmer distanced himself from comments made by Mark Carney, the Canadian prime minister, about middle countries working together to avoid being victimized by American hegemony. Instead, he described himself as a "pragmatist, a British pragmatist applying common sense," rejecting the idea that his government must choose between the US and Europe.
Security Concerns and Future Prospects
While Starmer’s visit offers opportunities for cooperation, concerns over security risks remain. British security services have alleged that China regularly spies on politicians and officials, and there are worries about the potential for Chinese espionage and cyber attacks. Despite these concerns, Starmer believes that engagement with China is essential for Britain’s economic and strategic interests. As he prepares to meet with Chinese leaders, Starmer will need to balance his desire for cooperation with the need to protect Britain’s security and sovereignty. The outcome of the visit will be closely watched, both in the UK and internationally, as it has the potential to shape the future of UK-China relations and the broader geopolitical landscape.
