Overview
- Keir Starmer met Xi Jinping in Beijing and both leaders voiced plans for a long-term strategic partnership after years of tense relations.
- London and Beijing agreed to cooperate to stop Chinese-made boat engines from reaching criminal networks that ferry migrants across the Channel.
- Starmer said Xi confirmed that travel restrictions on previously sanctioned British lawmakers no longer apply, clearing the way for parliamentary exchanges.
- China indicated it would actively consider unilateral visa-free entry for UK citizens as both sides explored ways to ease short-stay travel.
- President Donald Trump called it “very dangerous” for the UK to do business with China, as Starmer pressed ahead in Shanghai with a 50-plus executive delegation and corporate moves including AstraZeneca’s announced $15 billion China investment through 2030.