British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned that China poses “national security threats” to the UK, but defended his government’s decision to increase engagement with Beijing, saying closer business ties serve the national interest.
In a speech to business leaders on Monday evening, Starmer said Britain’s relationship with China had long “blown hot and cold,” calling for a more measured approach. “It’s time for a serious approach, to reject the simplistic binary choice, neither golden age nor ice age, and recognise the plain fact that you can work and trade with a country while still protecting yourself,” he said.
Starmer’s remarks come amid ongoing concerns over Chinese espionage, highlighted by the collapse of a trial last September after prosecutors said the government declined to describe Beijing as a threat. Starmer accused the previous Conservative government of allowing the UK-China relationship to deteriorate, calling it “a dereliction of duty.”
The Prime Minister noted that while France and Germany had maintained high-level visits to China since 2018, the last British leader to visit was Theresa May in the same year. Starmer is reportedly planning a visit next year, following trips by at least four cabinet ministers since Labour took office.
Starmer stressed that national security remains non-negotiable. “Protecting our security is non-negotiable – our first duty. But by taking tough steps to keep us secure, we enable ourselves to cooperate in other areas. “In areas like financial and professional services, creative industries, pharmaceuticals, luxury goods and more—the export opportunities are huge and we will back you to seize them,” he said.
The Chinese embassy in London criticised Starmer’s comments as “groundless accusations,” reflecting ongoing tensions between the two countries.
Starmer’s approach underscores a strategy of cautious engagement: protecting Britain’s security while encouraging businesses to pursue trade opportunities where risks are limited.
Melissa Enoch
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