UK-China relations in ‘good place’ as visa-free travel deal unveiled

Shiva K Dhakal
National Press Corporation(NPC)
United Kingdom— UK citizens will be able to travel to China without a visa for trips of up to 30 days, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced during an official visit to Beijing.

Downing Street said the move brings the UK into line with countries including France, Germany, Italy, Australia and Japan, whose nationals already benefit from similar arrangements. Sir Keir said the change would help boost trade and investment, adding that British businesses had been “crying out for ways to grow their footprints in China”.

The announcement came as AstraZeneca, the UK-based pharmaceutical giant, revealed plans to invest $15bn (£12bn) in China, underlining the commercial focus of the prime minister’s trip.

Sir Keir earlier described relations between London and Beijing as being in a “good, strong place” following talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Mr Xi said China-UK ties had experienced “twists and turns” in recent years but stressed that engagement between the two countries was “unavoidable”.

The visit has drawn criticism from opposition figures. Shadow home office minister Alicia Kearns said the prime minister “should not have gone to China without a precondition” that imprisoned pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai would be allowed to return home. Sir Keir said he had raised Mr Lai’s case directly with President Xi during their meeting.

Chinese state media gave extensive coverage to the visit. The flagship news programme on state broadcaster CCTV devoted 18 minutes to Sir Keir’s trip, presenting it as a sign of China’s international standing. Edited footage showed President Xi welcoming the prime minister, accompanied by dramatic music — a style typically used for high-profile diplomatic engagements.

Analysts say the coverage reflects how the UK is perceived in China: as a country with a long history and global cultural influence. British landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and the Royal Family feature prominently in English-language education in China, contributing to a generally favourable public image, despite views that Britain often aligns closely with the United States.