China has agreed to allow British citizens to travel to the country for up to 30 days without a visa, Downing Street confirmed. The announcement followed Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s visit to Beijing, making him the first British leader to visit China in eight years.
The move aims to strengthen economic ties between the UK and China and boost business and tourism opportunities. Officials say hundreds of thousands of British citizens could benefit, as around 620,000 traveled to China in 2024 alone. The change will also bring the UK in line with 50 other countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Australia, and Japan.
Sir Keir said the visa relaxation would support UK businesses seeking to expand in China while making travel easier for holidaymakers. He added that the two countries are exploring a potential services agreement to establish legally binding rules for UK firms operating in China. This could include recognition of UK professional qualifications and improved access to Chinese markets.
The visit also saw China agree to reduce import taxes on UK whiskey from 10% to 5%. Pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca plans to invest $15 billion in China by 2030, establishing new manufacturing sites and expanding its workforce.
Starmer and President Xi Jinping also discussed cooperation on security issues, including a new agreement to disrupt the supply of small boat engines used by migrant smuggling gangs crossing the Channel. Last year, over 60% of these engines were Chinese-manufactured.
While the visit focused on trade and security, Sir Keir raised sensitive issues, including the imprisonment of pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai and the treatment of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang. President Xi emphasized the importance of dialogue to overcome differences and strengthen bilateral relations in a “turbulent and fluid” global environment.
The leaders exchanged gifts during the visit, with Sir Keir giving Xi a Premier League football and Xi presenting a copper horse statue. Chinese Premier Li Qian also gifted three types of flutes to the British prime minister.
The trip comes amid rising global trade tensions, including US threats of tariffs on countries partnering with China. Opposition parties in the UK criticized the visit, arguing that economic benefits must be balanced against national security and human rights concerns.
