Trump Calls UK–China Relations ‘Very Dangerous’ as Starmer Visits Shanghai
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that it would be “very dangerous” for the United Kingdom to strengthen its economic ties with China, as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer continues a high-profile visit to the country.
Trump made the comments while speaking with reporters at the premiere of a documentary about former First Lady Melania Trump. When asked about Britain expanding business relations with Beijing, Trump said such engagement poses serious risks for close U.S. allies.
Starmer’s trip is the first visit to China by a British prime minister since 2018 and is aimed at improving diplomatic and economic relations with Beijing. His visit comes at a time when several Western leaders have sought renewed engagement with China, a move some observers see as a response to growing uncertainty in U.S. foreign policy.
After Trump’s remarks, the British Prime Minister’s Office said the White House had been informed about Starmer’s trip and its goals in advance. Officials also noted that Trump himself is expected to travel to China in April.
During the visit, Starmer met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other senior officials, signing several agreements focused on cooperation. He later traveled to Shanghai, China’s financial center, to promote new opportunities for British companies in the world’s second-largest economy. More than 50 U.K. business leaders are accompanying him on the trip.
Speaking on Friday, Starmer said his meetings with Chinese leaders had gone well and achieved the level of engagement Britain was seeking. He said the discussions showed that the U.K. has significant value to offer in economic cooperation.
Trump also criticized Canada’s relationship with China, warning that the risks were even greater. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited China earlier this year and reached agreements related to trade and tourism. Following that visit, Trump threatened to impose steep tariffs on Canadian imports if further deals were made with Beijing. Carney later dismissed the threat as a negotiating tactic.
Trump said China should not be viewed as a solution to economic challenges faced by Western nations, adding that countries like Canada and the U.K. should proceed with caution.