UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Beijing on January 28, 2026, pledging a renewed era of cooperation with China during his four-day official visit. The trip aims to address what Downing Street called 'years of policy inconsistency' in bilateral relations, with Starmer emphasizing economic pragmatism amid global instability.
Accompanied by 60 representatives from British businesses and cultural institutions including HSBC and Jaguar Land Rover, the delegation seeks to align UK strengths in financial services and advanced manufacturing with China's evolving economy. Government data shows Chinese investments currently support 370,000 British jobs.
'Like it or not, China matters for the UK,' Starmer stated, referencing the nation's status as Britain's third-largest trading partner. The visit builds on last year's Economic and Financial Dialogue that secured £600 million in immediate bilateral benefits.
China's Foreign Ministry welcomed the visit, expressing readiness to 'enhance political mutual trust and deepen practical cooperation.' Business Secretary Peter Kyle highlighted opportunities in renewable energy and technology sectors, noting 'increasing alignment' between the two economies.
