Key Facts
• UK Prime Minister Starmer to visit Beijing and Shanghai from January 28 to 31, 2026
• Meetings scheduled with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang
• First UK prime minister visit to China in 8 years since 2018
• Starmer emphasized importance of business opportunities with China, the world’s second-largest economy
• UK government approved China’s embassy relocation to central London despite local opposition
• Starmer to visit Japan on January 31, 2026, to meet Prime Minister Takaichi
Summary
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will visit China from January 28 to 31, 2026, aiming to strengthen trade relations. This marks the first UK prime ministerial visit to China in eight years. Starmer plans to meet with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, highlighting the significance of engaging with China’s vast economic market. The UK government recently approved China’s embassy move to central London amid local resistance, signaling a push to deepen bilateral ties. Following China, Starmer will visit Japan on January 31 to hold talks with Prime Minister Takaichi, underscoring the UK’s strategic engagement in Asia.
