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 official China visit. Trump reacted to agreements aimed at boosting trade and investment between Britain and China. Officials announced those deals after Sir Keir met President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
Trump made the remarks 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 offered no further explanation about his concerns over Britain’s China engagement.
UK ministers reject US criticism
Business minister Sir Chris Bryant dismissed Trump’s warning. He said it would be bonkers for Britain to ignore China’s influence on the global stage. Bryant said the UK managed relations with China with full awareness of the risks. He also noted that Trump plans to visit China himself in April.
Downing Street confirmed US officials knew about the trip in advance. Sources said Washington understood the objectives before the visit began. Ministers downplayed suggestions of diplomatic tension.
Trump broadens warning to Canada
A reporter asked Trump about Britain’s China ties at the film premiere. Trump replied briefly before shifting focus. He said Canada faced even greater danger from economic engagement with China. Trump said Canada performed poorly and should not look to China for answers.
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 Xi talks
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 meetings delivered the engagement Britain had hoped for. He said both sides made real progress.
Sir Keir later addressed the UK-China Business Forum at the Bank of China in Beijing. He said Britain had much to offer China. He described the discussions as warm and productive.
Trade, travel, and investment deals confirmed
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 deal allows intelligence sharing on people-smuggling 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 community welcomes 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 noted many Western leaders recently visited Beijing or planned visits 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.
Political backlash 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 trip to China by a UK prime minister since 2018. Critics warned about national security risks and cited 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.
