China has agreed to let British citizens visit the country for up to thirty days without a visa, according to the UK government. The decision followed Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
Sir Keir became the first British prime minister to visit China in eight years. The visit focused on trade, travel, and wider cooperation between the two countries.
Visa Free Entry Expected to Boost Travel and Business
The new visa free travel rule has no confirmed start date, but the UK government hopes it will begin soon. Around six hundred and twenty thousand British citizens visited China in twenty twenty four, according to official data.
Downing Street said the move brings the UK in line with more than fifty other countries. These include France, Germany, Italy, Australia, and Japan.
Sir Keir said the change will help British businesses grow in China. He added that tourists will also find it easier to travel without visa delays.
Trade Deals Aim to Support UK Economic Growth
During the visit, China agreed to reduce import taxes on UK whisky from ten percent to five percent. The government believes this will support British exporters and create jobs at home.
Both countries also agreed to explore a services trade agreement. This could set clear rules for UK firms working in China, especially in finance, healthcare, and legal services.
The UK is one of the world’s largest exporters of services, and demand from China continues to rise.
AstraZeneca Announces Major Investment in China
Pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca confirmed it will invest fifteen billion dollars in China by twenty thirty. The company plans to open new manufacturing sites and expand its workforce.
The investment highlights China’s role as a key market for global healthcare companies.
Cooperation on Illegal Migration and Security
Sir Keir and President Xi also discussed illegal migration. The UK and China signed an agreement to stop the supply of small boat engines used by people smuggling gangs.
Last year, more than sixty percent of these engines carried Chinese brand names. The UK hopes this cooperation will reduce dangerous Channel crossings.
Human Rights Concerns Raised During Talks
The prime minister said he raised sensitive issues during the meeting. These included the imprisonment of activist Jimmy Lai and the treatment of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang.
Sir Keir said engagement allows the UK to benefit from cooperation while still speaking openly about disagreements.
Political Reaction and Criticism at Home
Opposition figures criticised the visit. Conservative politicians warned that closer ties with China could harm national security. Liberal Democrats said the UK should demand stronger safeguards.
Despite criticism, the government said the visit marked a more balanced and practical relationship with China.
