Keir Starmer's China Visit: A Strategic Move Amid Criticism

Sun Feb 01 2026 08:47:28 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer aims to strengthen ties with China during his three-day visit, marking the first such trip in eight years, despite facing domestic criticism over human rights and security concerns.

Sir Keir Starmer has embarked on a significant three-day visit to China, the first by a British prime minister since 2018. As he seeks to mend diplomatic and trade ties after years of strain, the visit has attracted criticism regarding China's human rights record and security threats to the UK. Starmer emphasizes the need for a strategic relationship with China, despite domestic opponents voicing concerns over potential risks.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has arrived in China for a three-day visit - the first by a British prime minister in eight years. Sir Keir is seeking to strengthen trading and cultural ties between the two nations after years of acrimony. However, he has faced criticism from opponents at home over the risk posed by China to the UK's national security and Xi Jinping's human rights record.

The PM, who will meet President Xi on Thursday, stated that the trip will bring benefits to the UK and it is vital to maintain a strategic and consistent relationship with the world's second-largest economy. Upon his arrival in Beijing, Starmer was welcomed by Chinese government officials who presented him with flowers and flags were displayed in Tiananmen Square.

Addressing over 60 British business leaders accompanying him, the Prime Minister remarked, On this delegation, you're making history. You're part of the change that we're bringing about. We are resolute about being outward-looking and focused on our national interest. The politics of engaging with China is complex, considering its alleged human rights abuses and ongoing threats to UK's national security from espionage activities.

Starmer has been careful about what issues he plans to raise with Chinese leaders but has committed to engaging on both challenging and cooperative fronts. His visit is seen as an opportunity to bridge gaps in UK-China relations while balancing the critical ties with the United States amidst rising tensions between the two superpowers.

However, the trip has not gone without significant opposition. Critics within the UK Parliament, especially from the Conservative Party and Liberal Democrats, have expressed concerns about the implications of engaging with China, especially regarding issues of human rights and security associated with China's actions.

Overall, as Sir Keir begins his high-stakes visit to China, the outcomes of these discussions could shape the future of UK-China relations and provide insight into the government's foreign policy stance amid increasing geopolitical complexities.