By HAN News Desk
LONDON / BEIJING — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer signaled a notable recalibration of the United Kingdom’s foreign policy on Monday, emphasizing pragmatic engagement with China even as tensions with the United States over Beijing’s global ambitions continue to grow.
During an official visit to China, Starmer stressed that maintaining and expanding bilateral relations is in Britain’s national interest. He described China as the world’s second-largest economy and a pivotal global player. Including Hong Kong, he noted, China ranks as the UK’s third-largest trading partner, highlighting the extensive commercial and strategic links between the two nations.
“Our national interest requires pragmatic engagement with China,” Starmer said. “There are substantial opportunities for growth, investment, and cooperation that directly impact British jobs, innovation, and prosperity.”
Starmer’s remarks reflect a more nuanced approach from London at a time when Washington has increasingly taken a confrontational stance toward Beijing on issues ranging from trade and technology to regional security and human rights. The Prime Minister emphasized that the UK intends to pursue an independent China policy shaped by its own economic and strategic priorities, while maintaining the strength of the transatlantic alliance.
During his visit, Starmer met with President Xi Jinping, senior Chinese officials, and business leaders. Discussions focused on sectors including clean energy, green technology, financial services, and infrastructure development. Starmer also stressed that engagement would be balanced with “clear-eyed realism,” continuing to advocate for human rights and adherence to international rules through diplomatic channels.
Analysts say the visit reflects London’s broader post-Brexit foreign policy strategy: strengthening economic ties in Asia while retaining key alliances with Western partners amid slowing global growth and rising geopolitical uncertainty. Some experts note the trip could test coordination among Western allies on China-related issues. U.S. officials have not publicly responded to Starmer’s remarks, though Britain’s more independent stance may require careful diplomacy to manage potential divergences in approach.
The trip marks one of Starmer’s highest-profile foreign engagements since becoming Prime Minister and is seen as a statement of intent regarding the UK’s global economic ambitions and strategic positioning in an era of intensifying great-power competition.
