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In a historic diplomatic move, Prime Minister Keir Starmer embarked on his inaugural visit to China, marking the first such trip by a British leader since Theresa May’s visit in 2018. This visit comes at a time when the UK’s relationship with China is under scrutiny, and Starmer seeks to inject “stability and clarity” into bilateral ties. As the world’s second-largest economy and a pivotal player in green technologies, China’s influence is undeniable, and the UK can no longer afford to sidestep strategic discussions with Beijing.
A Cautious Engagement
Starmer’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping was emblematic of a broader shift in the UK’s approach to its Asian counterpart. Xi acknowledged that the UK-China relationship had experienced numerous “twists and turns” and expressed a desire for a more consistent partnership. In response, Starmer articulated his ambition for a “more sophisticated” collaboration, a term that underscores the delicate balancing act he must perform amid competing geopolitical interests.
As Starmer navigates this complex terrain, he is not alone. Western leaders, including France’s Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s Friedrich Merz, have also visited China recently, indicating a collective recognition of Beijing’s growing importance. However, unlike some of his counterparts, Starmer is keen to maintain alignment with both the United States and the European Union, avoiding the portrayal of his visit as a pivot away from Western allies.
Balancing Act: Opportunities and Risks
Laura Chappell, an expert in international policy at the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), provided insight into the expectations surrounding this visit. She cautioned that while Starmer’s approach signals a thaw in UK-China relations, it is unlikely to result in significant policy shifts or groundbreaking agreements. Instead, the focus will be on warming relations and identifying mutual interests, particularly in economic cooperation.
Chappell highlighted the current confusion surrounding the UK’s China policy, describing it as a middle-ground approach that lacks clarity and strategic direction. She noted that while the Labour Party’s stance emphasises the need to “cooperate, compete, challenge,” the absence of actionable steps has left the UK in a state of ambiguity regarding its priorities and the associated risks.
China is currently the UK’s third-largest trading partner, with trade in goods and services reaching £98.4 billion in 2024. This economic interdependence underscores the necessity of engagement, yet it is tempered by security concerns, including allegations of cyber-attacks and espionage linked to Chinese entities. Starmer’s challenge will be to unlock economic opportunities without compromising national security.
China’s Strategic Position
As global geopolitical norms shift, China’s assertiveness stands out. Chappell pointed to China’s remarkable economic trajectory, transforming from a nation with widespread poverty in the 1980s to a formidable player in green technologies and artificial intelligence. This positioning is crucial as the world increasingly prioritises sustainable development and technological innovation.
China’s dominance in the green tech sector, particularly in renewable energy and electric vehicles, is unmatched, and it aims to solidify its role as a leader in the global economy of the future. However, this comes with implications for the UK, which must weigh the benefits of collaboration against the potential for increased leverage that could be exerted by China in the future.
Seeking Political Signals
While China does not expect a dramatic shift in the UK’s stance following Starmer’s visit, it is looking for affirmations of partnership. Chappell noted that recent diplomatic encounters between China and other nations have led to public commitments for “strategic partnerships.” Although Starmer may not deliver such declarations, his visit is nonetheless significant in signalling the UK’s intent to engage more actively with Beijing.
The Prime Minister’s agenda includes exploring economic opportunities, enhancing visa arrangements for business visitors, and fostering deeper diplomatic ties without alienating allies. Yet, according to Chappell, this visit should not be misconstrued as a precursor to major agreements or a radical policy overhaul. Instead, it is about laying the groundwork for future negotiations and fostering a more informed understanding of China’s role in global affairs.
Why it Matters
Starmer’s visit to China is not merely a diplomatic formality; it represents a crucial juncture for the UK as it seeks to redefine its international relationships in an increasingly multipolar world. With China at the forefront of global economic shifts, the UK’s ability to engage constructively will have profound implications for its economic growth and geopolitical standing. Balancing economic opportunities with security considerations remains paramount, and the effectiveness of Starmer’s approach could set the tone for Britain’s future interactions on the global stage.
