U.S. President Donald Trump cautioned Britain against deepening business ties with China on Friday, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer promoted closer economic cooperation with Beijing during a high profile visit aimed at boosting trade and investment.
The exchange highlights growing strain among Western allies over how to engage with China, particularly as governments balance economic interests with security and political concerns. Starmer’s trip signals a clear effort by London to reopen channels with the world’s second largest economy at a time of weak growth at home.
Speaking to reporters in Washington, Trump reacted sharply to news of the British outreach. “Well, it’s very dangerous for them to do that,” he said when asked about closer UK China relations. Trump made the comment ahead of a film premiere at the Kennedy Center and did not provide further detail.
In Beijing, Starmer struck a notably upbeat tone following three hours of talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday. Addressing the UK China Business Forum, the British leader described his discussions with Xi as “very warm” and said they delivered “just the level of engagement that we hoped for.”
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Starmer told business leaders that Britain had “a huge amount to offer” and said both sides had made tangible progress. He pointed to agreements on visa free travel for short stays and reduced tariffs on British whisky as early signs of improved market access.
“These are really important openings, symbolic of what we are doing with the relationship,” Starmer said, adding that steady engagement was key to building “mutual trust and respect.”
Downing Street officials said the prime minister raised trade barriers, investment opportunities, and broader cultural ties during the talks. The discussions also covered areas ranging from financial services to education, according to people briefed on the meetings.
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Trump’s warning comes as the White House adopts a tougher tone toward allies pursuing economic deals with Beijing. Last week, Trump threatened tariffs on Canada after Prime Minister Mark Carney announced new trade arrangements with China following a visit there.
Trump is expected to travel to China in April, underscoring the complex and often shifting nature of U.S. policy toward Beijing. Neither Downing Street nor China’s foreign ministry immediately responded to requests for comment on Trump’s remarks.
Starmer has made clear he does not see improved ties with China as a choice between Beijing and Washington. His Labour government has struggled to generate the economic momentum it promised, and officials view expanded trade in services and manufacturing as essential to lifting growth.