UK and China Deepen Ties With New Agreements and Policy Shift

The recent visit by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to China marked a change in the UK’s approach to relations with China, focusing on economic cooperation while maintaining national security priorities.

Starmer’s trip, which took place from January 29 to January 31, 2026, was the first official visit to China by a British prime minister in eight years. The visit resulted in several new agreements between the two countries, reflecting a shift toward pragmatic engagement.

During the visit, China lifted travel bans and sanctions that had been in place since 2021 on six current British MPs and peers. This step was part of a broader set of diplomatic actions aimed at improving bilateral relations.

The UK and China agreed to begin a feasibility study for a potential bilateral services agreement. Additional outcomes included visa-free travel arrangements for British citizens and reduced tariffs on Scotch whisky, which were among ten cooperative agreements reached during the visit.

What the numbers show

• The UK secured ten cooperative agreements with China during the visit
• The UK’s services trade surplus with China was £10 billion
• The UK’s goods trade deficit with China stood at £52 billion

Starmer stated during the visit that the UK would continue to apply national security “guardrails” while seeking opportunities for economic collaboration with China. This approach was presented as a recalibration of the UK’s foreign policy, balancing economic interests with security considerations.

The agreements covered a range of areas, including visa waivers, tariff reductions, and investment commitments. These measures are part of a broader strategy to strengthen economic ties while addressing sensitive issues such as trade imbalances and market access.

The UK’s services sector maintains a surplus in trade with China, while the goods sector continues to experience a substantial deficit. The new agreements aim to address some of these economic challenges through increased cooperation and market access.

Starmer’s visit and the resulting agreements represent a move toward more pragmatic engagement between the UK and China. The policy shift emphasizes practical cooperation while maintaining a focus on national security and economic balance.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.