UK minister: Trump’s claim that China ties are dangerous is wrong
UK minister: Trump’s claim that China ties are dangerous is wrong
British trade minister counters Trump's warning on UK-China ties as Starmer-Xi talks unfold in Beijing.
Beijing, January 30, 2026 — British Trade Department Minister Chris Bryant said it is wrong to claim that strengthening business ties with China is dangerous for the UK. He told reporters that closer UK-Chinese trade offers benefits for British industry, jobs, and the wider economy, arguing that engagement should be pursued pragmatically rather than feared.
The remarks come as Sir Keir Starmer heads a diplomatic push to reset UK relations with China, including discussions with President Xi aimed at securing lower tariffs and better access to the Chinese market. In this context, Bryant’s stance signals a willingness in parts of the government to keep markets open and diversify economic partnerships even as geopolitical tensions linger.
Trump has warned that dealing more closely with China could be risky for the UK, a message that contrasts with the UK’s contemporary diplomacy strategy. Britain’s leadership has made clear it does not intend to choose sides between the United States and China, emphasizing a balanced approach that prioritizes British economic interests while engaging with both powers.
The exchange underscores the broader challenge of navigating global trade in a time of competing alliances. Trump’s warnings, reported ahead of a potential September visit to Britain, sit against a backdrop of ongoing negotiations and high-level visits as the UK seeks to maintain influence in a shifting international economy.
Ultimately, the episode highlights a cautious but forward-looking strategy: engage with both partners, protect UK industry, and pursue pragmatic deals that can weather geopolitical shifts.
