Engaging China now invites catastrophic security risks and emboldens an authoritarian regime actively spying on Britain. Approving a mega-embassy spy hub while kowtowing to Xi — who praised Labour governments specifically — shows dangerous naivety about Beijing's threats. This visit rewards China's imprisonment of British citizen Jimmy Lai and Uyghur persecution while risking Trump's retaliation through punitive tariffs.

Starmer's visit to China, the first by a U.K. Prime Minister in eight years, signifies a shift among Western leaders toward establishing closer ties with Beijing in an increasingly unstable world. Chinese officials stress the importance of communication and collaboration, particularly in areas such as economic partnership, security, and climate change. Despite differences stemming from their contrasting political systems, there is a strong push for constructive dialogue and increased exchanges.