Asia
Trump Warns UK: Business Deals With China “Very Dangerous
It’s ‘very dangerous’ for UK to get more commercial links with China US President Donald Trump has warned it is “very dangerous” for the UK to increase business ties with China, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer remains in Beijing. The comments come after a spate of new deals on trade, visas and investment were unveiled following discussions with President Xi Jinping. Washington was informed ahead of time about the visit, Downing Street said. Business groups welcomed the move, but opposition MPs condemned it, underscoring the increasing pressure on Britain to juggle its relations with China and the US.
Donald Trump has cautioned against the UK growing its trade links with China, warning that it is “very dangerous”, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer embarks on a high-profile visit to Beijing. The remarks underscore increasing friction between Washington and its allies in approaching China’s expanding economic reach.
Trump Calls UK Engagement With China “Very Dangerous”
Donald Trump, speaking on Friday night, had attacked the UK’s decision to forge closer trade and investment links with China. He was speaking after new UK-China deals were unveiled during Sir Keir Starmer’s arrival in Beijing.
“Well it’s very dangerous for them to do that,” Trump said, refusing to elaborate before moving on to Canada. The remarks underscore Trump’s tough approach to Beijing and skepticism of Western countries relying on China for its trade and investment despite his protracted dispute with China over the huge U.S. trade deficit.
Downing Street sought to play down the importance of Trump’s comments, arguing that the US had been aware of the UK prime minister’s China visit and its objectives in advance. It was a routine visit, officials emphasized, as part of a planned effort to reset relations, not the unexpected recalibration in policy.
UK officials also suggested that Trump himself is likely to make a trip to China in April, reflecting ongoing contact between Washington and Beijing despite the public posturing.
Trade, Visas And Large Investment Tractions Struck
Sir Keir Starmer met President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People during a three-day visit to help foster relations. After the meeting, the prime minister said UK China relations were in a “good strong position”.
Deals struck on the trip include visa-free travel deals, reduced tariffs for whisky exports, and a £10.9 billion investment by AstraZeneca to set up manufacturing in China. Another separate deal on organised crime and illegal immigration was also agreed.
Trade Chief Says China Engagement in Line With Logic
Chair of the British Chamber of Commerce in China, Chris Torrens, said “the delegation as a whole were pleased with how things went”. Given that it is one of Britain’s major trading partners, he said “it makes sense” for the UK to interact with China.
Torrens also mentioned there are other Western leaders who have visited, or plan to visit, Beijing. While the US has condemned other countries for doing business with China, Washington is also widely expected to make deals with Beijing this year, he said.
Trump’s warnings did not stop with the U.K.; he said it was “more dangerous” for Canada to get closer to China. He renewed past threats to impose tariffs on Canada if it took action based on economic deals Prime Minister Mark Carney made during a trip to Beijing.
The comments are part of a broader Trump strategy of threatening tariffs and pressure to dissuade allies from further economic integration with China.
UK Straddles US Relations and China Trade
The UK now has a tricky task of balancing its economic relationship with China against its close partnership with the US. The US was Britain’s largest trading partner and China its fourth in 2025.
He is expected to carry on with his trip in Asia by visiting Shanghai before heading to Japan for talks with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. How the UK balances Washington’s pressure against deepening ties with Beijing will also be closely watched.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Trump cautions Britain that dealing with China is “very dangerous” as Keir Starmer flies to Beijing to reset relations
- Britain unveils trade, visa and investment deals with China
- US knew of trip in advance, says Downing Street
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