Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s recent visit to Beijing, the first by a British leader in eight years, has delivered several practical agreements that strengthen UK-China economic ties. As a law firm serving a large Chinese client base in the UK, we welcome these steps, which could ease cross-border business and create new opportunities.
China has agreed to allow UK citizens visa-free entry for stays of up to 30 days for business or tourism, simplifying travel that previously required applications, fees, and visits to visa centres. This change, expected soon, will make it easier for UK partners, executives, and advisors to engage directly with operations in China, reducing delays in negotiations, due diligence, and compliance.
Trade
China will also halve import tariffs on UK whisky from 10% to 5%, a move projected to add around £250 million in value for UK exporters over five years. This could encourage more distribution deals and joint ventures involving Chinese firms, where expertise in trade law and intellectual property remains essential.
Investment
AstraZeneca announced a major $15 billion investment in China through 2030, expanding manufacturing in several cities, adding new sites, and growing its workforce beyond 20,000. The focus includes advancing cell therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases. This signals strong confidence in bilateral partnerships and may spur reciprocal investment flows into the UK, where we regularly advise on foreign direct investment rules, regulatory approvals, and market integration.
Agreements on Crime and More
The visit produced ten further agreements covering areas such as combating organised crime and illegal migration, services cooperation, conformity assessment, exports, technical education, food safety, and health. A joint feasibility study for a trade in services agreement stands out as a step toward more predictable rules for sectors like technology and finance.
Our thoughts
While some critics highlight concerns over security, intellectual property, and human rights, these incremental deals reflect a pragmatic approach to engagement amid global shifts. For our Chinese clients in the UK, the developments point to smoother collaboration, fewer frictions, and a supportive environment for growth.
If these changes affect your business or investment plans, our team is ready to help with immigration, trade compliance, structuring deals, or regulatory guidance. Contact us to discuss how to make the most of this evolving relationship.
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