UK Prime Minister Visits China to Reassess Global Alliances
Starmer’s visit, the first by a UK prime minister in nearly eight years, includes a delegation of senior ministers and business leaders. He is scheduled to meet President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. The UK government said the visit would be “pragmatic and in the national interest.” Starmer emphasized that Britain does not have to choose betwee
n its security partnership with the United States and economic engagement with China. The prime minister’s delegation includes executives from finance, pharmaceuticals, technology, and manufacturing sectors. Officials said the visit aims to expand trade, investment, and economic cooperation while addressing security and human rights concerns. Analysts noted that the trip may have limited immediate economic impact but signals a long-term strategy for engagement with China amid growing global competition. The visit has drawn mixed reactions in the UK. Critics warned that closer ties could affect leverage on human rights and technology transfer. Supporters said engagement is necessary to maintain economic stability and access to global supply chains. Meetings are scheduled in Beijing and Shanghai. The outcomes are expected to influence the UK’s foreign policy and trade strategy in the coming years. Source: Washington Post