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Starmer Hails 'Real Progress' in China With Visa Waivers and Whisky Tariff Cut

Beijing granted short-stay visa waivers, reflecting a cautious reset focused on practical gains.

Overview

  • The UK prime minister concluded the first Beijing visit by a British leader since 2018 after meetings with Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang and senior lawmaker Zhao Leji.
  • China approved visa-free entry for British travelers on stays under 30 days, which London says will ease access for UK entrepreneurs.
  • Beijing lowered duties on UK whisky and the sides signed around ten cooperation accords, including an immigration initiative and a feasibility study on possible services negotiations.
  • Pharma giant AstraZeneca said it will invest $15 billion in China by 2030 alongside the visit.
  • Starmer raised the cases of Jimmy Lai and the Uyghurs, President Trump called the outreach "very dangerous," UK Conservatives objected to a reset, and Downing Street signaled openness to a future Xi visit.