UK PM Keir Starmer announces reduced whisky tariffs and a new visa-free travel deal for Britons during his first official visit to China.
BEIJING: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed “really good progress” following talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The leaders met at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People during Starmer’s first official visit to China.
Starmer told Xi that China is a “vital player on the global stage”. He stressed the need to “build a more sophisticated relationship where we identify opportunities to collaborate”.
The Chinese leader also emphasised stronger ties with a “long-term view”. He cited the current “complex” international situation as a reason for closer cooperation.
Downing Street announced a key win on tariffs for British exports. Whisky exported to China will now face a 5% tariff, reduced from 10%.
The Scotch Whisky Association welcomed the reduction. It said the move “has the potential to re-energise exports” to a “priority growth market”.
A new visa-free travel arrangement was also confirmed. British passport holders can now visit China for up to 30 days without a visa.
The agreement brings Britain in line with about 50 other nations. France, Germany, Australia and Japan already enjoy similar access.
Further cooperation deals were signed with Premier Li Qiang. They cover targeting people-smuggling supply chains and boosting British exports.
The issue of irregular migration is highly sensitive for Starmer’s government. He has pledged to crack down on smugglers amid rising political pressure.
Starmer confirmed he raised human rights concerns with Chinese leaders. He said they had a “respectful discussion” about Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai.
The treatment of Uyghurs in China’s Xinjiang region was also discussed. Beijing has been accused of detaining over a million Muslims since 2017.
British pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca made a major investment announcement. It will invest USD 15 billion in China through 2030, praising the country’s innovation.
The UK’s opposition Conservatives criticised the diplomatic trip. Leader Kemi Badenoch said Britain “should not roll out the red carpet” for China.
She cited alleged espionage, trade rule breaches and support for Russia’s war. Starmer’s visit follows finance minister Rachel Reeves’s trip to Beijing last year.
The prime minister’s tour highlights a Western pivot towards Beijing. It comes amid strained relations with an increasingly unpredictable United States.
