Overview
- In Tokyo, Keir Starmer and Sanae Takaichi agreed to deepen defence and economic-security cooperation and to convene UK–Japan foreign and defence ministers this year.
- The leaders emphasized supply-chain resilience and critical minerals alongside ongoing collaboration on a next‑generation fighter jet with Italy.
- In Beijing, the UK secured an in‑principle deal for visa‑free short stays for British visitors, with China saying procedures are under way and no start date announced.
- China will cut tariffs on Scotch whisky to 5% and the UK counted about £2.2 billion in export deals plus roughly £2.3 billion in market‑access wins over five years, with new investments including Pop Mart’s European hub in London.
- Beijing lifted sanctions on UK parliamentarians as Starmer dismissed President Trump’s warning about dealing with China, and Japan’s Yomiuri reported, citing sources, that China urged against his Tokyo stop.