Donald Trump warned that doing business with China posed serious risks for the UK as Sir Keir Starmer arrived in Shanghai. The prime minister reached the city on the third day of his China visit. Trump reacted to agreements aimed at expanding trade and investment between Britain and China. Officials announced those deals after Sir Keir met President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
Trump made the comments while attending a documentary premiere about his wife, Melania, on Thursday. He described Xi as a friend and said he knew the Chinese leader very well. Trump did not provide further detail on his concerns over Britain’s China engagement.
UK ministers defend China strategy
Business minister Sir Chris Bryant rejected Trump’s warning. He said it would be bonkers for Britain to ignore China’s role on the global stage. Bryant said the UK handled relations with China with its eyes wide open. He also noted that Trump plans to visit China himself in April.
Downing Street said US officials were aware of the trip in advance. Government sources confirmed Washington understood the objectives before the visit. Ministers sought to calm any suggestion of a diplomatic rift.
Trump directs criticism at Canada
A reporter asked Trump about Britain’s China ties at the film premiere. Trump replied briefly before shifting his focus. He said Canada faced even greater danger from economic engagement with China. Trump said Canada was performing poorly and should not view China as the solution.
Earlier in the week, Trump threatened tariffs on Canada. He issued the warning after Prime Minister Mark Carney travelled to Beijing. Canadian officials discussed economic agreements during that visit.
Starmer praises talks with Xi
Sir Keir said the UK-China relationship stood in a good and strong place. He spoke after meeting Xi at the Great Hall of the People. On Friday, he said the talks delivered the engagement Britain had hoped for. He said both sides achieved real progress during discussions.
Sir Keir later addressed the UK-China Business Forum at the Bank of China in Beijing. He said Britain had a huge amount to offer China. He described the discussions as warm and constructive.
Trade, travel, and investment deals agreed
Several outcomes followed Sir Keir’s visit. Britain and China agreed on visa-free travel arrangements. They also agreed to reduce tariffs on whisky exports. AstraZeneca announced a £10.9bn investment to build manufacturing facilities in China.
Both governments agreed to co-operate on organised crime and illegal immigration. The agreement allows intelligence sharing on people-smuggling supply routes. UK officials said 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 shared priority.
Business leaders welcome 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 followed Sir Keir’s visit.
Chris Torrens, chair of the British Chamber of Commerce in China, described the trip as successful. He said Britain should engage with one of its largest trading partners. Torrens said many Western leaders recently visited Beijing or planned trips soon.
He added that the US criticised other economies for deals with China. He said Washington itself might still reach an agreement with Beijing this year.
Opposition raises security and human rights 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 marked the first China trip by a UK prime minister since 2018. Critics warned about national security risks and 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 Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai. Courts could sentence Lai to life in prison.
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 the decision. He said intelligence agencies played an integral role. He said authorities managed the risks appropriately.
