UK PM Keir Starmer to visit China in January, Sky News reports

The trip would come soon after Britain decides on the approval of a new Chinese embassy in London that critics say will pose a security risk

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Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to visit China in January. Photo: Pool via Reuters

Published: 1:41am, 21 Nov 2025Updated: 2:51am, 21 Nov 2025

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will visit China at the end of January, Sky News reported on Thursday, in what would be the first visit to the country by a British leader in seven years.

Starmer’s Labour government has made improved relations with Beijing a priority as it seeks foreign investment to make good on its election pledge to upgrade infrastructure and grow Britain’s economy.

But the relationship has been bumpy, with both countries trading accusations of spying.

The prime minister’s office said it would set out any travel plans in the usual way when asked about a possible Starmer visit. The Chinese embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A visit in January would come just weeks after Britain is expected to decide on whether to approve a new Chinese embassy in London that critics say will pose a security risk.

Britain’s MI5 security service this week issued a new warning to lawmakers about attempts by Chinese agents to collect information and influence activity.

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UK PM Keir Starmer to visit China in January, Sky News reports

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}The trip would come soon after Britain decides on the approval of a new Chinese embassy in London that critics say will pose a security risk

The trip would come soon after Britain decides on the approval of a new Chinese embassy in London that critics say will pose a security risk