China, UK agree to reset relations

British PM Starmer's China visit signals a cautious thaw in bilateral ties

Welcome back to What’s Happening in China, your weekly China brief.

Following the controversial approval of a Chinese mega-embassy in London, Keir Starmer flew to the PRC this week for a four-day visit, the first by a British prime minister since Theresa May in 2018. In Beijing, Starmer met Xi Jinping, calling China “a vital player on the global stage” and saying he hoped to build a “more sophisticated relationship.” Xi said, “The current international situation is complex and intertwined. As permanent members of the UN Security Council and major global economies, China and the UK need to strengthen dialogue and cooperation.”

The thaw in relations already delivered a few immediate results. Sanctions were lifted on six serving British MPs and peers; visa rules will be relaxed, allowing UK citizens to visit the PRC visa-free for stays under 30 days; and China agreed to cut tariffs on British whisky from 10% to 5%. Both sides also agreed on a new border security pact to disrupt the supply …