Overview
- Xi Jinping and Keir Starmer voiced support for a long-term, stable comprehensive strategic partnership during meetings in Beijing.
- Agreements include visa-free travel for British passport holders for visits under 30 days, a cut in Chinese tariffs on whisky to 5%, and cooperation targeting migrant-smuggling supply chains.
- Downing Street also announced work to bolster a UK‑China trade commission plus cooperation in areas such as exports, health, education and sport.
- Starmer traveled with a delegation of about 50–60 business and cultural leaders as AstraZeneca pledged $15 billion of investment in China through 2030.
- Starmer said he raised human-rights concerns, including Jimmy Lai and the Uyghurs, while President Donald Trump warned it was “very dangerous” for Britain to deepen business ties with China.