UK and China sign cooperation deals
Beijing halves Scotch whisky tariffs after talks
British and Chinese officials signed several cooperation agreements after high-level talks during Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Beijing, as both sides sought to stabilise a strained relationship while acknowledging persistent differences. China agreed to halve tariffs on Scotch whisky to 5% from 10%, a move British officials estimate could be worth roughly £250 million to UK exporters over five years. Memoranda of understanding cover trade, education, climate cooperation, services, investment and people-to-people exchanges, with particular emphasis on green technology, finance and advanced manufacturing.
China’s commerce minister told Britain’s trade minister that Beijing is willing to expand goods and services imports from the UK and to deepen economic and trade dialogue, including cooperation on services, investment and finance. British officials said the agreements aim to improve market access for UK firms and encourage Chinese investment into Britain while maintaining national security safeguards for critical infrastructure and sensitive technologies.
Climate cooperation featured prominently: both sides agreed to intensify work on emissions reduction, renewable energy deployment and climate finance, and to establish joint groups to coordinate on offshore wind, carbon markets and energy efficiency. Education and cultural ties were also advanced, with commitments to expand student exchanges, research collaboration and language programs alongside measures intended to protect research security and intellectual property.
Starmer framed the visit as a “principled and pragmatic” reset: engagement to pursue shared interests without endorsing Beijing’s policies. He raised human rights concerns, including Xinjiang and Hong Kong, in private discussions, while insisting Britain would continue to protect national security and speak on values. Chinese officials portrayed the visit positively, expressing a desire for more constructive ties and greater cooperation in financial services.
The visit signals a shift from the previous government’s more confrontational stance toward a calibrated approach combining selective cooperation with vigilance. Business groups welcomed renewed predictability and dialogue, but critics cautioned against downplaying human rights and security risks. Implementation and follow-through will determine whether the agreements translate into tangible benefits and whether both countries can manage differences without derailing broader engagement.
