Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
The UK government has announced that China will be easing travel restrictions for British visitors by allowing them to enter the country for up to 30 days without requiring a visa. This development follows Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s recent visit to Beijing, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Sir Keir is the first British prime minister to visit China in eight years, marking a significant step in UK-China relations. The move is part of a broader effort by the UK government to strengthen trade connections with China in hopes of stimulating economic growth.
Although the relaxation of visa requirements is welcomed by many, some critics urge caution in the UK’s dealings with China. Concerns remain over national security risks and China’s human rights record. While the government has yet to specify exactly when the visa-free arrangement will take effect, officials are eager for it to be implemented promptly. It is anticipated that hundreds of thousands of British travelers could benefit from the change, given that around 620,000 Britons are expected to visit China this year according to the Office for National Statistics.
Downing Street emphasized that this agreement would bring the UK in line with over 50 other countries, such as France, Germany, Australia, and Japan, which already have such arrangements with China. Prime Minister Starmer highlighted how the policy would facilitate business expansion by making travel easier and allowing more British citizens to visit China for holidays without the hassle of visa applications. “As one of the world’s economic powerhouses, businesses have been crying out for ways to grow their footprints in China,” he stated, adding that the new visa rules would support overseas growth and contribute to job creation at home.
In addition to the travel deal, the UK and China have agreed to explore negotiations on a services agreement that would set clear legal frameworks for British companies operating in China. The UK is the second largest global exporter of services—including finance, healthcare, and legal sectors—and sees growing demand from China in these areas. The anticipated agreement would help open Chinese markets to UK firms, potentially including recognition of professional qualifications. Furthermore, China agreed to reduce import taxes on British whiskey from 10% to 5%, and pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca announced plans to invest $15 billion in China by 2030, building new manufacturing facilities and expanding its workforce.
During the visit, Sir Keir and President Xi held talks at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, discussing ways the UK could benefit from economic opportunities in China. They also made progress on cooperation to stem illegal migration, with an agreement to disrupt the supply of small boat engines used by smuggling gangs facilitating Channel crossings. Notably, more than 60% of these engines were found to be Chinese-manufactured last year. The migration deal forms part of ten agreements signed between the two nations, covering exports, education, and food safety.
The prime minister addressed sensitive issues, including the imprisonment of pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai and the treatment of the Uyghur minority. “Part of the rationale for engagement is to make sure that we can both seize the opportunities that are available, which is what we’ve done, but also have a mature discussion about issues that we disagree on,” Sir Keir said. However, political opponents criticized the visit and agreements, with Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp accusing the prime minister of compromising national security for economic gains and dismissing the migration deal as ineffective.
Sir Keir led a delegation of British business and cultural leaders on the trip, expressing the desire for a “more sophisticated” relationship with China that balances economic benefits with security concerns. He noted the global impact of international events, from supermarket prices to national security, reinforcing the importance of constructive dialogue. President Xi acknowledged the complexity in UK-China relations, calling for continued dialogue amid a “turbulent and fluid” global environment, and commended past Labour governments for their role in developing bilateral ties.
The leaders exchanged symbolic gifts, with Sir Keir presenting President Xi a football from a recent Premier League match, highlighting their mutual interest in the sport despite supporting different clubs. In return, President Xi gifted Sir Keir a copper horse statue, while Chinese Premier Li Qian offered a selection of flutes. The prime minister’s visit has faced criticism from UK opposition figures, with some questioning the timing and approach of the engagement, emphasizing the need to prioritize national security alongside economic ambitions
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.