Speaking to reporters, President Trump said closer cooperation with China posed strategic and economic risks, urging the UK to remain cautious in its dealings with Beijing. His remarks underscore growing concern in Washington over China’s global influence and the implications for Western allies.

Prime Minister Starmer, however, struck a more optimistic tone in Beijing, highlighting what he described as tangible progress in revitalising UK-China relations. He said renewed engagement would unlock economic opportunities for British businesses, boost trade and investment, and support long-term growth at a time of global economic uncertainty.

Starmer emphasized that Britain’s approach toward China would be pragmatic and “sophisticated,” balancing national security considerations with the need for constructive dialogue and economic cooperation. Discussions during the visit focused on trade, technology, green energy and expanding market access for UK firms.

The contrasting messages from Washington and London highlight differing approaches among Western allies toward China, as governments navigate the complex challenge of safeguarding national interests while maintaining economic ties with the world’s second-largest economy.

Prime Minister Starmer said the UK is pursuing a more “sophisticated” and pragmatic relationship with China one that prioritises dialogue, economic opportunity and responsible management of differences. He emphasized that constructive engagement with Beijing is essential for British businesses and for addressing global challenges that require international cooperation.

President Xi Jinping welcomed the renewed engagement, highlighting the importance of stable relations between the world’s major economies. Xi said stronger UK-China ties would benefit both nations and contribute to global economic stability, particularly in areas such as technology, green development and investment.

The discussions focused on expanding trade links, encouraging two-way investment and enhancing cooperation in emerging technologies, while acknowledging the need for ongoing dialogue on areas of disagreement. Both sides agreed that sustained communication at senior levels would be key to building trust and delivering practical outcomes.

The renewed diplomatic push comes as Britain seeks to balance economic pragmatism with national interests, and as China looks to strengthen ties with key global partners. Analysts say the talks reflect a cautious but meaningful shift toward a more cooperative phase in UK-China relations.

In a speech at the Lady Mayor’s banquet on Monday night, Starmer condemned the previous Conservative governments’ colder approach to Beijing as “staggering” and a “dereliction of duty.”

The U.K.-China relationship cooled under Boris Johnson and his successors, as hawks within the Conservative Party argued for a tougher line, citing both national security concerns and alleged human rights abuses.

Since taking office, Starmer has overseen closer engagement with Beijing, including several visits by high-profile Cabinet ministers as they seek overseas investment in Britain to boost growth. His approach has faced criticism, including over the collapse of the prosecution of two men accused of spying for China, while plans for a new super-embassy in London are expected to proceed despite security objections.

The prime minister defended his strategy on Monday, saying the rise of China would be central to his foreign policy agenda, which he argued carries more consequence for the lives of British people than any other global shift. He described China as “a defining force in technology, trade and global governance,” which also “poses national security threats to the U.K.”

“For years we have blown hot and cold,” he added. “We had the golden age, which then flipped to an Ice Age. We reject that binary choice.”

“Protecting our security is non-negotiable — our first duty. But by taking tough steps to keep us secure, we enable ourselves to cooperate in other areas.”

Starmer is reportedly preparing to visit China early next year, following trips by his chancellor, foreign secretary, and business secretary. The PM met Chinese Premier Li Qiang in a brief “brush-by” at the recent G20 summit in South Africa, according to officials.

Starmer also used Monday’s speech to say Britain would “face outward again” after Brexit and “reassert our national interest on the world stage,” despite last week’s breakdown of talks over U.K. participation in the EU’s defense loan program.

In a swipe at Tory and Reform opponents, he criticized the “corrosive, inward-looking attitude” of those who propose leaving the European Convention on Human Rights, saying: “It offers grievance rather than hope. A declinist vision of a lesser Britain — not a Great Britain.”