Trump Says ‘Very Dangerous’ for UK to Do Business with China as Starmer Lands in Shanghai
Former U.S. president warns of economic and security risks while Britain seeks trade expansion amid shifting global alliances
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to the United Kingdom over deepening economic ties with China, calling such engagement “very dangerous” at a time when British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has arrived in Shanghai to advance trade and diplomatic relations. Trump’s remarks have reignited debate over how Western nations should navigate their relationship with Beijing amid rising geopolitical tensions and economic interdependence.
Speaking to reporters in Washington, Trump criticised what he described as a growing willingness among U.S. allies to increase business with China, despite longstanding concerns over trade practices, national security, and political influence. “It’s very dangerous for them to do that,” Trump said, referring to the UK, adding that similar risks applied to other Western nations seeking closer economic engagement with Beijing.
His comments coincided with Starmer’s high-profile visit to China, the first by a British prime minister in nearly a decade. The visit marks a significant moment in UK-China relations and signals the Labour government’s intent to pursue a more pragmatic economic approach, even as relations between China and the West remain strained.
A Strategic Visit at a Sensitive Time
Prime Minister Starmer’s arrival in Shanghai follows meetings in Beijing with senior Chinese leadership, including President Xi Jinping. The trip is aimed at revitalising trade links, supporting British exporters, and reopening channels of dialogue that have remained largely dormant since the late 2010s.
Downing Street has framed the visit as a “clear-eyed engagement” with China — one that recognises the economic importance of the Chinese market while remaining firm on issues such as national security, human rights, and international law. Officials argue that disengagement is neither realistic nor beneficial for the UK’s long-term economic interests.
Among the outcomes highlighted by the British government are reductions in tariffs on key UK exports, improved visa access for British citizens, and renewed cooperation in sectors such as finance, education, green technology, and advanced manufacturing. Shanghai, China’s financial hub, was chosen as a focal point of the visit to emphasise Britain’s strengths in services and global finance.
Trump’s Hardline China Stance
Trump’s warning is consistent with his long-held position on China, which defined much of his presidency. During his time in office, the U.S. launched a trade war against Beijing, imposed tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of Chinese goods, and repeatedly accused China of unfair trade practices, intellectual property theft, and strategic economic manipulation.
By describing UK-China business ties as “very dangerous,” Trump appeared to suggest that economic engagement could expose Britain to political pressure, security vulnerabilities, and long-term dependency. His remarks also reflect a broader American concern that China uses trade and investment as tools of influence.
While Trump currently holds no official office, his comments carry weight in global politics, particularly as he remains a dominant figure in U.S. political discourse and a potential future presidential contender.
UK Pushes Back Against the Criticism
UK officials were quick to downplay Trump’s remarks, emphasising that Britain’s foreign policy is shaped by national interests rather than external pressure. Government sources stressed that maintaining dialogue with China does not undermine the UK’s close alliance with the United States.
Britain continues to cooperate closely with Washington on defence, intelligence, and security through NATO and other frameworks. Officials argue that these relationships can coexist with economic engagement in Asia, including China.
“We don’t believe in choosing between allies and markets,” one senior UK official said. “The UK can be both a strong security partner to the U.S. and a competitive trading nation in a global economy.”
A Wider Western Dilemma
The dispute highlights a broader challenge facing Western democracies: how to balance economic opportunity with strategic caution when dealing with China. Beijing remains a vital trading partner for many countries, yet concerns persist over its political system, military ambitions, and role in global affairs.
European nations in particular have pursued a middle path — seeking to “de-risk” rather than fully decouple from China. This approach involves protecting sensitive industries and infrastructure while continuing trade in less sensitive sectors.
Starmer’s visit appears to align with this strategy, focusing on economic cooperation without signalling a fundamental shift in the UK’s security or diplomatic alignment.
Political and Economic Implications
Trump’s intervention could also have political implications domestically and internationally. For critics of closer China ties, his comments reinforce fears that engagement may come at a strategic cost. For supporters of Starmer’s approach, the warning highlights the need for independent decision-making in a multipolar world.
Economically, the stakes are high. China is one of the world’s largest markets, and British businesses — particularly in finance, education, and professional services — have long sought greater access. At the same time, public opinion in the UK remains cautious, shaped by concerns over human rights, cybersecurity, and global stability.
Conclusion
As Prime Minister Keir Starmer continues his visit in Shanghai, Trump’s “very dangerous” warning underscores the complexity of modern diplomacy. The UK finds itself navigating between economic necessity and geopolitical caution, seeking to expand trade while safeguarding national interests.
Whether Britain’s renewed engagement with China proves beneficial or risky remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the global debate over how to deal with Beijing is far from settled — and voices like Trump’s ensure it will remain a contentious issue on the world stage.
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