Global Leaders Seek Ties with China Amid US Tensions

The article discusses how President Trump's tariffs-based trade policy has inadvertently fueled a boom in trade deals for China and India. The European Union and India recently announced a landmark Free Trade Agreement, which was facilitated by Trump's protectionist policies. Other countries, such as the UK and Canada, are also seeking to strengthen their trade ties with China, perceiving it as a more reliable and stable partner compared to the US under Trump's leadership. Experts are divided on whether China's rise as a trade partner will be beneficial or not, with some cautioning that China's approach to trade and its use of economic coercion may be a concern.

US President Donald Trump has warned the UK that doing business with China would be 'very dangerous', as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer seeks to reset bilateral ties during a four-day visit to China. China has agreed to halve tariffs on British whisky and allow visa-free travel for British nationals. Meanwhile, AstraZeneca will invest $15 billion in China through 2030. Starmer has emphasized that the UK does not have to choose between the US and China, but Trump's comments suggest that deepening ties with China may strain relations with the US.

World leaders are visiting Beijing, seeking to strengthen ties with China amid rising tensions with the U.S. At least five national leaders have met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in January, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. These visits reflect a desire to maintain open communication channels with Beijing and capitalize on business opportunities, despite U.S. pressure to maintain distance. China's large economy and growing technological self-sufficiency make it an attractive partner, particularly for developing countries. However, visiting leaders must balance their relationships with both China and the U.S., as tensions between the two superpowers remain a significant concern. The upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, hosted by China, may provide another opportunity for world leaders to engage with Beijing.

The article discusses the implications of Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent purge, particularly the installation of loyalists to lead the army, and how it could be dangerous for Taiwan. The author argues that Xi's actions should worry the world, especially as Western leaders, including Britain's Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, continue to visit China seeking deals and dependability. The article highlights the uncertainty of the global situation, with ongoing conflicts in Europe and turmoil in the Middle East, and suggests that China's actions under Xi's leadership are a significant factor to consider.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, aiming to strengthen ties between the two nations despite US President Donald Trump's efforts to discourage US allies from trading with China. Starmer sought a 'more sophisticated relationship' with China, discussing collaboration and dialogue on areas of disagreement. The meeting comes as Trump threatens trade tariffs against US allies that engage with China, including Canada. Starmer also requested Xi's assistance in disrupting the supply of China-made small boat engines used for smuggling people across the English Channel.

The article analyzes Sir Keir Starmer's recent trip to China, highlighting its significance for Beijing's narrative as a reliable superpower. Despite the UK being seen as a middling power, the Chinese were keen on showcasing a positive relationship, with optimistic and warm statements. The trip resulted in potential cooperation on education, healthcare, and financial services, as well as joint research in AI and green energy. However, China remained firm on sensitive issues like Taiwan and Hong Kong. The article suggests that the timing of the trip, amidst US-China tensions and Donald Trump's disruption of transatlantic partnerships, was beneficial for China's narrative.

The UK and China are exploring a new cross-border asset-management link and upgrades to their existing stock connect scheme to deepen capital-market cooperation. Ashley Alder, chairman of the UK's Financial Conduct Authority, stated that both countries are looking to enhance market connectivity, particularly through the stock connect with Shanghai and Shenzhen, and exploring other areas of cooperation such as asset management. Alder is part of a UK business delegation accompanying Prime Minister Keir Starmer on a four-day visit to China, where he will meet mainland regulators to discuss measures to strengthen cross-border trading links and regulatory cooperation. The potential new framework could allow mainland investors to access UK-based asset-management and retirement products, similar to the Greater Bay Area's wealth-management connect scheme launched in 2021.

The US Treasury Department has urged China to allow the yuan to strengthen, criticizing Beijing's lack of transparency in its exchange-rate policies and describing the currency as 'substantially undervalued'. Although the US stopped short of labeling China a currency manipulator, it warned that it could still do so in the future if evidence is found that China is limiting the currency's strength. The report comes amid ongoing tensions between the US and China over trade policies.

The article discusses how Trump's trade war and tariffs on Chinese imports have affected the toy industry in the United States, particularly small businesses. Jennifer Bergman, owner of West Side Kids toy store in Manhattan, struggled to keep her store open due to increased costs from tariffs, ultimately closing it in July 2025. The tariffs, which reached as high as 145% on Chinese goods, had a disproportionate impact on small retailers, who were unable to absorb the costs like larger retailers such as Walmart and Target. The article highlights the consequences of the trade war on the toy industry, including a 'Christmas economy split' where big-box retailers continue to thrive while small businesses suffer.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has opened the door to a potential visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping after their bilateral talks in Beijing. The visit marked a significant shift in the UK's relations with China, with agreements on economic cooperation, including a visa waiver for British tourists and a cut in whisky tariffs. However, the prospect of Xi's visit to the UK has drawn criticism from British politicians who are concerned about China's human rights record and espionage activities.

US President Donald Trump has criticized the UK's decision to strengthen economic ties with China, calling it 'very dangerous' during British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to Beijing. Starmer had secured improved market access, lower tariffs, and investment deals during his three-hour talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, marking a thaw in previously strained relations. Trump's remarks have raised concerns in Downing Street, given his unpredictability and long-held hostility towards China. UK officials have defended their approach, stating that they can maintain close relations with both the US and China.