US President Donald Trump has cautioned the United Kingdom against deepening economic relations with China, describing such moves as “very dangerous,” as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended his government’s decision to reset ties with Beijing during a high-profile visit.
Speaking to reporters in Washington ahead of the premiere of a film at the Kennedy Center, Trump reacted to Starmer’s ongoing China trip but did not provide further details to support his warning. “Well, it’s very dangerous for them to do that,” Trump said, referring to Britain’s growing engagement with Beijing.
Starmer’s visit comes amid heightened global trade tensions and renewed US threats of tariffs, as Western allies navigate Washington’s increasingly unpredictable foreign policy posture.
During three-hour talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, the British prime minister called for a “more sophisticated relationship” between the two countries, focusing on improved market access, reduced tariffs and expanded investment cooperation.
Addressing the UK–China Business Forum, Starmer described his discussions with Xi as “very warm” and said they had produced “real progress.”
He highlighted agreements on visa-free travel and reduced tariffs on British whisky as symbolic of improved bilateral relations.
He also met senior Chinese business leaders, including Chery Automobile CEO Yin Tongyue, with Chinese officials announcing plans by the automaker to establish a commercial vehicle research and development centre in Liverpool.
Despite criticism from Washington, Starmer maintained that Britain could sustain strong relationships with both the United States and China.
He reaffirmed the UK’s close ties with the US, citing defence, intelligence and trade cooperation, and insisted that London would not be forced to choose between the two powers.
The visit comes as Trump prepares for his own trip to China in April, even as his administration adopts a hard line against Beijing. US officials have expressed scepticism about the benefits of closer UK–China trade ties, though Washington has indicated it is unlikely to impose tariffs on Britain unless relations significantly deteriorate.
