By Ginika Igboke
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned British Prime Minister Keir Starmer about the risks of expanding economic relations with China, following Starmer’s signing of several agreements with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing.
Starmer said Thursday that he wants a “more sophisticated relationship” with China and announced deals aimed at easing tariffs on Scottish whisky exports and allowing British citizens to travel to China visa-free for up to 30 days.
Asked about the UK–China agreements, Trump said, “It’s very dangerous for them to do that.” He made the remarks during the premiere of the film “Melania” at the Kennedy Center in Washington, without elaborating further.
The Republican-led House Foreign Affairs Committee also criticized the outreach, posting on X: “To all world leaders meeting with Xi Jinping: China sells nothing but cheap products and cheap friendships.”
U.S. Officials Cast Doubt on UK Export Prospects
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick questioned the likelihood of British firms succeeding in the Chinese market, telling reporters that China is “very, very difficult” when it comes to imports. “So good luck if the British are trying to export to China … it’s just unlikely,” he said.
When asked whether Trump would impose tariffs on Britain, Lutnick responded that such a move was unlikely unless the UK took an overtly hostile stance toward the United States.
Trump said on Jan. 22 that he plans to visit China in April and expects Xi to visit the United States later this year.
Last week, Trump threatened to impose tariffs on Canada after Prime Minister Mark Carney signed energy and lumber agreements with China. In a Jan. 24 post on Truth Social, Trump warned that Canadian exports to the United States could face 100 percent tariffs if Canada “makes a deal with China.”
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed the concern in a Jan. 25 interview, saying the United States cannot allow Canada to become a gateway for Chinese goods into the U.S. market.
UK Defends Its Approach
UK Minister of State for Trade Policy Chris Bryant rejected Trump’s criticism, saying it was not dangerous for Britain to engage with China.
“We enter into our relationship with China with our eyes wide open,” Bryant told the BBC, adding that it would be “bonkers” for the UK to ignore China’s role on the global stage.
Speaking at the UK–China Business Forum in Beijing, Starmer said he had “very warm” meetings with Xi and described the whisky and visa agreements as “symbolic” of the broader relationship his government is seeking to build.
“As one of the world’s economic powerhouses, businesses have been crying out for ways to grow their footprints in China,” Starmer said in a statement. He added that relaxed visa rules would help companies expand abroad while boosting growth and jobs at home.
The British government says UK companies currently sell about £13 billion ($17.8 billion) worth of financial, legal, and educational services to China each year. During his visit, Starmer also met Yin Tongyue, chief executive of Chinese automaker Chery, to discuss plans for a research and development center in Liverpool.
Starmer’s Labour government has struggled to deliver strong economic growth since winning the July 2024 election, making improved ties with the world’s second-largest economy a central part of its strategy. However, the push carries geopolitical risks, as Trump has repeatedly described China as the United States’ top economic rival.
“The relationship we have with the United States is one of the closest we hold,” Starmer said while traveling to Shanghai, insisting he does not need to choose between Washington and Beijing. He noted that Britain secured £150 billion ($206 billion) in investment during Trump’s visit in September.
Starmer is the third prominent Western leader to visit China in recent months, following French President Emmanuel Macron in December and Carney earlier this month. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is expected to visit next month.
Original article
Comments