US President Donald Trump has sharply disapproved of Great Britain's plans to strengthen economic ties with Beijing, calling such a strategy "very dangerous." This statement came immediately after the completion of three-hour negotiations between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, where the parties agreed on a "strategic partnership" and the reduction of trade barriers. This is reported by Bloomberg, writes UNN.
Details
Speaking to reporters in Washington, Trump emphasized that London's attempts to find a source of economic growth in China are misguided.
It is very dangerous for them to do this. It is even more dangerous for Canada, which is also trying to do business with China. You cannot view China as the answer
He also recalled recent threats to impose 100% tariffs on Canada if it concludes a free trade agreement with the PRC.
Washington fears that Britain's "reset" of relations with Beijing could harm intelligence and defense cooperation within the Five Eyes alliance. Trump, who is preparing his own visit to China in April 2026, insists on a tough protectionist approach, while Starmer is trying to pull the British economy out of an "ice age" with the help of Chinese investments.
London's position and agreements reached
Despite pressure from the US, Keir Starmer called his trip to Beijing successful, noting a "warm welcome" and progress on issues important to Britain. The parties managed to reach agreements on reducing tariffs on Scottish whiskey and introducing a 30-day visa-free regime for British tourists and businessmen. The Prime Minister emphasized that Britain is capable of deepening economic cooperation with China without jeopardizing its special relationship with the United States in the field of security.
Our relationship with the US is one of the closest, especially in defense and intelligence matters. We should not choose between Washington and Beijing
However, analysts believe that such a multi-vector approach by London could provoke trade disputes with the Trump administration, which is increasingly using tariffs as a foreign policy tool.