Trump considers the UK's proximity to China “very dangerous”. What a warning he has about economic alliances with Beijing
US President Donald Trump described as “very dangerous” the United Kingdom's desire to strengthen its economic and political ties with China, in the context of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to Beijing, the first by a British leader since 2018.
Donald Trump PHOTO: pixabay
“It's very dangerous for them to do that,” said Trump at the premiere of a documentary about his wife, Melania Trump, commenting on the agreements announced between London and Beijing to increase business and investment, according to the BBC.
The US president extended the warning to Canada as well, stating that it is “even more dangerous for Canada to do business with China” and that “you can't look at China as a solution,” referring to the Canadian government's recent economic deals with Beijing.
In this context, Trump reiterated his threat to impose tariffs on Canada if it continues economic collaboration with China.
According to the quoted publication, Downing Street specified that Washington was informed in advance about Starmer's visit and its objectives, adding that the US president is due to visit China in April.
Starmer's visit to Beijing was billed as one “successful” by British officials and the business community.
A number of concrete achievements were announced during meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, including an agreement on visa-free travel between the UK and China, reduced tariffs on British whiskey and a £10.9 billion investment by AstraZeneca to build manufacturing facilities in China. Cooperation measures in the field of organized crime and illegal immigration were also agreed.
Sir Keir Starmer pointed out that the meetings “very good” with Xi they allowed a level of involvement “exactly what we wanted” and that the UK has a lot to offer in its relationship with China.
The British Prime Minister is due to end the visit with a trip to Shanghai, before leaving for Tokyo for a working meeting with his Japanese counterpart, Sanae Takaichi.
Chris Torrens, chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce in China, told the BBC that he had “sense for the UK to look to China, one of its main trading partners,” noting that other Western nations have also made recent visits to Beijing, including the US, which is expected to strike a deal with China this year.
But Starmer's visit was criticized by British opposition MPs.
Chris Philp, the opposition home secretary, accused the Prime Minister of “went to Beijing to bow to President Xi” and that the British government “betray national security for a few minor economic advantages”.
In 2025, the US remained the UK's largest trading partner, with China in fourth place, according to the UK's Department for Business and Trade.
