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Snapshot 7:Wed, Jan 28, 2026 10:54:55 AM GMT last edited by Harish Chander

UK PM Starmer Makes First China Visit in 8 Years

UK PM Starmer Makes First China Visit in 8 Years

UK PM Starmer Makes First China Visit in 8 Years
Above: **Watermarked Getty Image. Kindly Replace** British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrives in Beijing on Jan. 28, 2026. Image credit: Kin Cheung/Pool/AFP/Getty Images

The Spin

Eight years without a British PM visiting China represents a shameful and stupid lapse that has damaged crucial economic opportunities for British workers. During this time, Britain has foolishly lectured and threatened China with baseless smears while the country has become an economic superpower. It's time to show respect to China, stop playing mini-me to Trump's tirades and accept that the tables have turned.

Visiting China while British citizen Jimmy Lai remains imprisoned in torturous conditions is unconscionable and represents a mindless cosying-up to the Chinese Communist Party. China continues subjecting Uighurs to appalling human rights violations, brutally oppressing Hong Kong and making brazen attempts to recruit spies around Westminster. Economic gains must never override Britain's duty to safeguard national security and call out Chinese wrongdoing.


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© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0

© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.18.0