A British business leader has expressed optimism that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to China can unlock new economic opportunities, which will have a positive effect for both nations. Starmer arrived in Beijing on Wednesday to begin a four-day official visit, marking the first trip by a British prime minister to China in eight years. He held talks with senior Chinese leaders on Thursday including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang.
The meeting between Xi and Starmer saw both sides express willingness to develop a "long-term and stable comprehensive strategic partnership," with the two countries agreeing to deepen cooperation across various fields.
Chris Torrens, chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce in China, said that the positive signals coming from Starmer's visit will greatly boost the confidence of the British business community in China. "I think it's really important because it's building on the momentum that we've seen from this UK administration over the last 18 months, showing a more coherent strategy towards China, one based around stability and dependability and clarity -- we've heard those words from the Prime Minister. And that's brought confidence to the British business community in China," Torrens said in an interview with the China Global Television Network (CGTN).
Torrens noted that ties between the UK and China had cooled during the previous Conservative government's time in office, which he said created considerable uncertainty for businesses. However, he believes that the more pragmatic approach of Starmer's Labour government offers a clearer direction which is greatly beneficial for British companies operating in China.
"I think we went from the golden era of Prime Minister [David] Cameron through to what's been called the 'ice age.' I think it was less an 'ice age,' but just more a period of political paralysis where the previous administration didn't really know how to handle China. So there was no engagement, there was no confrontation, there was just nothing. And in a vacuum with uncertainty, with that kind of instability, it's really difficult for British businesses to operate. They didn't feel like they had the back of the government. Now that's changed. So it's incredibly important to have even those words being stated is important because given all the geopolitical uncertainty we're in, it's really refreshing to have the sense that there's a plan and there's some kind of pragmatism and a way forward. So it's been hugely helpful for British companies on the ground," he said.
In addition, Torrens said Starmer's visit is not merely symbolic, but should also deliver significant breakthroughs that benefit British businesses while also enhancing bilateral cooperation.
Torrens believes that China and Britain will look to complement their respective strengths and achieve more win-win results going forward.
"I think from the UK perspective, at any rate, it's not about symbolism, it's about gains. It's about getting something that works for the UK economy. It's about getting support for UK companies operating in China. So, I think our members feel the same, but it's really about making substantive progress for British companies in China and also helping identify opportunities for Chinese companies that might be going to the UK, because obviously the UK services industry is a really important part of the UK economy. And so British service companies are already beginning to support Chinese companies as they go out, whether it's to the UK or elsewhere around the world. So I feel like there's something really material and substantive that can be gained from the trade," he said.
UK PM's China visit to unlock new economic opportunities: British business leader
