Starmer: UK Doesn’t Have to Choose Between US and China

Prime Minister says engaging with China won’t harm ties with Washington

LONDON – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer says that the UK can strengthen ties with China without damaging its longstanding relationship with the United States.

“Ignoring China, the world’s second-biggest economy, and its business opportunities wouldn’t be sensible,” Starmer told Bloomberg ahead of his historic visit to Beijing.

Historic Beijing Visit: First in Eight Years

Starmer will begin a three-day trip to China, accompanied by 60 leaders from business, academia, and culture, amid strained UK–US relations.

He emphasized that while human rights issues will be raised, the economic relationship with China remains the top priority.

“We’ve got very close relations with the US — we will maintain that alongside business, security, and defense,” Starmer said.The visit follows a tense period in US-European relations, notably over Greenland.

US President Donald Trump had expressed interest in Greenland due to its strategic Arctic location, mineral resources, and growing Russian and Chinese influence. Denmark and Greenland rejected any proposals to sell the territory, reaffirming Danish sovereignty.

After discussions in Davos with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Trump confirmed a framework for a potential Arctic deal and dropped threats of tariffs on eight European countries, including the UK.