China offers reliability to US amid strained diplomatic relations

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Arrives in Beijing for Three-Day Visit

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is currently visiting Beijing, China, as part of a three-day trip. This visit comes amid efforts to strengthen economic ties and trade agreements between the UK and China.

Since 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping has met with several international leaders, including South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, and Irish leader Micheal Martin. This week’s visit by Starmer marks the latest in a series of high-level meetings between China and key US allies.

The UK, Canada, Finland, and Germany have been affected by the Trump administration’s trade policies, including tariffs on steel, aluminum, autos, and auto parts. These countries had previously been in a NATO standoff with Trump over his desire to annex Greenland and threats to impose additional tariffs on eight European countries.

Chinese Vice Premier Li Hefeng has emphasized China’s support for multilateralism and free trade during recent international gatherings. In a speech at the World Economic Forum, Li stated that economic globalization is not perfect but cannot be completely rejected. Instead, solutions should be found through dialogue.

Starmer is expected to pursue more trade and investment deals with Beijing during his visit. This follows a series of events in Europe that suggest an adjustment in China policy towards the continent. Canada has also shown renewed interest in deepening economic ties with China after several disputes with Trump over the past year.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has received several international leaders since 2026, including South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is expected to visit China for the first time in late February.

Source: Al Jazeera