By Khabar Rojana 
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in China on Wednesday (January 28, 2026), marking the first visit by a UK Prime Minister since 2018. The visit comes at a time when relations between Western countries and the United States are increasingly strained, prompting renewed diplomatic and economic engagement with Beijing.
During his visit, Starmer is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang on Thursday (January 29, 2026). He will then travel to Shanghai on Friday (January 30, 2026) to hold discussions with business leaders and local executives, focusing on trade, investment, and economic cooperation.
Speaking to reporters while en route, Starmer acknowledged concerns raised by critics in Britain and the United States over his approach toward China. He stressed that while the UK must remain alert to potential security risks, it cannot afford to overlook the economic opportunities offered by the world’s second-largest economy.
“It doesn’t make sense to ignore China or pretend it doesn’t matter,” Starmer said. “Engagement is in Britain’s interests. This visit is an important step, and we expect to make meaningful progress.”
The visit signals a pragmatic shift in the UK’s foreign policy, as governments across Europe reassess global partnerships amid changing geopolitical dynamics and growing uncertainty within traditional Western alliances.
Shalu Shalu