Source Euro news
SHANGHAI — U.S. President Donald Trump has cast a shadow over Keir Starmer’s landmark visit to China, labeling the United Kingdom’s pursuit of closer economic ties with Beijing as “very dangerous.”
The comments, made in Washington late Thursday, come as the British Prime Minister arrived in Shanghai for the final leg of a four-day mission aimed at thawing frozen diplomatic relations and unlocking billions in trade. Speaking to reporters at the premiere of the documentary Melania, President Trump did not mince words when asked about the UK’s outreach to the world’s second-largest economy.
“Well, it’s very dangerous for them to do that,” Trump said, before pivoting to a sharper warning for Ottawa. “And it’s even more dangerous, I think, for Canada to get into business with China. You can’t look at China as the answer.”
A “Sophisticated” Relationship
The President’s intervention highlights a growing rift in Western strategy toward Beijing. While the Trump administration has ramped up a policy of “maximum pressure” and tariff threats, Starmer is advocating for what he calls a “more sophisticated” and “pragmatic” relationship.
Since arriving in China on Wednesday—the first such visit by a British premier in eight years—Starmer has secured several key concessions:
Market Access: Agreements to lower tariffs on British whisky and services.
Travel Reform: An end to travel bans on British parliamentarians previously sanctioned by Beijing.
Corporate Investment: A major $13 billion (£10.4bn) investment pledge from pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca.
Starmer Stands His Ground
Responding to Trump’s “dangerous” label from Shanghai, Starmer remained defiant, suggesting the U.S. President may have been focused more on his ongoing dispute with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
“I think, to be fair, he was probably talking more about Canada than the UK,” Starmer told reporters while visiting a showcase of British brands on Shanghai’s Bund. “It wouldn’t be sensible to stick our head in the sand and ignore the second-biggest economy in the world.”
Downing Street officials emphasized that Washington had been briefed on the trip’s objectives in advance, noting that Trump himself is scheduled to visit Beijing this April.
Comparison of Trade Stances (2026)
Country Current Strategy Key Move
United States Confrontational / Protectionist Threatened 100% tariffs on Canada over China ties.
United Kingdom Pragmatic Engagement First PM visit to Beijing since 2018; focus on “Growth.”
Canada Economic Diversification Negotiated tariff reductions; faces severe US pressure.
The diplomatic tension underscores the tightrope Starmer must walk. While the UK remains desperate for the economic growth promised by the Labour government, it must do so without alienating its most critical security ally in Washington
