The warning came after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer concluded high-level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a landmark visit to China, marking the first trip by a British prime minister to Beijing in eight years.
Speaking in Washington, Trump criticised London’s efforts to reset relations with China, saying closer ties with the rival superpower could carry significant risks. His comments follow Starmer’s three-hour meeting with Xi, which signalled a thaw in previously strained UK-China relations.
During his visit, Starmer pledged to build a “more sophisticated” relationship with China and secured commitments on improved market access, lower tariffs and new investment deals. He later told the UK-China Business Forum in Beijing that the relationship was now in a “good, strong place” and that the talks had met Britain’s expectations.
UK officials said the United States had been informed in advance about the trip and its objectives, but Trump’s remarks are expected to raise concerns in Downing Street given his unpredictable stance on China.
Trump has recently issued similar warnings to Canada, threatening tariffs if Ottawa proceeds with economic agreements with Beijing. He reiterated that stance while commenting on the UK, adding that Canada’s engagement with China was “even more dangerous.”
Despite his criticism, Trump described Xi as a personal acquaintance, saying, “President Xi is a friend of mine; I know him very well.” The US president is expected to visit China himself in April.
British business leaders have welcomed Starmer’s visit. Chris Torrens, chair of the British Chamber of Commerce in China, described the trip as “successful,” noting that China remains one of the UK’s largest trading partners.
Starmer has maintained that Britain does not need to choose between Washington and Beijing, saying the UK can strengthen economic ties with China while preserving its close relationship with the United States.
Meanwhile, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick expressed skepticism about Britain’s prospects in the Chinese market, saying it would be “very difficult” for UK exporters to succeed there, though he downplayed the likelihood of immediate US tariffs on Britain.
Starmer is expected to continue his Asia tour with stops in Shanghai and Tokyo, where he will meet Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
