China and UK Move to Reset Bilateral Ties After Years of Strain

Beijing: China and the United Kingdom are taking steps to reset their bilateral relationship, with both sides signalling interest in deeper cooperation following years of political tension.

Chinese President Xi Jinping told British Prime Minister Keir Starmer that China is willing to develop a long-term strategic partnership with the UK, according to a statement released by Chinese state media on Thursday.

The two countries agreed to expand cooperation in areas including education, healthcare, finance, artificial intelligence research, biological sciences, and new energy development. Beijing also said it would consider visa-free entry for British nationals, while urging London to ensure a fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies operating in the UK.

Starmer said Britain is seeking to build “more sophisticated” ties with China, according to comments reported by Reuters during a bilateral meeting with Xi.

The discussions come as Starmer undertakes a four-day visit to China, the first by a British prime minister in eight years, signalling an effort to stabilise relations after a prolonged period of distrust.

UK-China ties have been strained in recent years over security concerns, allegations of espionage, and Beijing’s actions in Hong Kong, including the introduction of a national security law in 2020.

Starmer’s visit also comes amid shifting global dynamics, as uncertainty over US trade and foreign policy has encouraged several Western nations to reassess ties with Beijing. China has hosted multiple Western leaders in recent weeks as it seeks to strengthen diplomatic and economic engagement.

Speaking to British business leaders travelling with him, Starmer encouraged companies to explore opportunities in the world’s second-largest economy, while the UK government said it would pursue a “strategic and consistent” relationship with China, balancing economic engagement with security considerations.

Despite renewed diplomatic efforts, British businesses continue to face challenges in China. According to the British Chamber of Commerce in China, nearly 60% of surveyed UK firms said doing business in China had become more difficult over the past year, citing regulatory pressure, economic slowdown, and geopolitical risks.

UK government data shows Britain’s trade deficit with China rose more than 18% year-on-year to £42 billion in the 12 months ending June 2025.