WASHINGTON / BEIJING: US President Donald Trump has warned Britain against engaging in trade with China, calling it “very dangerous,” as Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised the economic benefits of improving ties with Beijing during his visit. Starmer met President Xi Jinping in a three-hour session, discussing trade deals, market access, lower tariffs, and even cultural topics like soccer and Shakespeare.
Starmer emphasized that the UK could strengthen economic ties with China without compromising its close relationship with the United States. He highlighted recent agreements on visa-free travel and lower whisky tariffs, describing them as symbolic of growing mutual trust and respect. The Labour leader noted that Britain would not have to choose between the US and China, referencing the $150 billion US investment announced during Trump’s previous visit to the UK.
Trump, speaking at the premiere of the film Melania, did not elaborate on his warning. His unpredictable trade policies and threats, including potential tariffs on Canada and ambitions regarding Greenland, have unsettled traditional US allies.
Other Western leaders, including France’s Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s Friedrich Merz, have also engaged with China, signaling a shift in global economic diplomacy amid rising tensions with the United States.
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