Trump warns UK against closer links with China
By Frank Prenesti
Date: Friday 30 Jan 2026
(Sharecast News) - US President Donald Trump on Friday warned Britain against doing business with China as Prime Minister Keir Starmer completed a three-day diplomatic and economic mission to the world's second largest economy.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said it was "very dangerous" for the UK to forge closer links with Beijing.
Starmer became the latest Western leader to make contact with China's Premier Xi Jinping as relations with the US become more unpredictable under Trump. He walked away from the talks with improved market access agreements, lower tariffs and investment deals.
Trump's erratic threats of trade tariffs and increased pronouncements that the US was adamant about the annexation of Greenland have shaken America's allies.
Canada once again became the target for his ire earlier this week, with a threat to impose tariffs if it followed through with economic deals struck with China after Prime Minister Mark Carney's recent visit to Beijing.
In response to Trump's remarks Starmer told Sky News: "I don't think it's wise for the United Kingdom to stick its head in the sand. China is the second biggest economy in the world. It's along with Hong Kong, our third biggest trading partner. And through this visit, we've opened up lots of opportunities for jobs and wealth creation back in the United Kingdom."
Trade minister Chris Bryant and Downing Street officials pointed out that Trump was himself travelling to China in April.
After commenting on the UK's engagement with Beijing, Trump said it was "even more dangerous, I think, for Canada. Canada is not doing well. They're doing very poorly, and you can't look at China as the answer".
Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com
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