UK PM Starmer Warns of China’s ‘National Security Threats’ but Defends Deeper Engagement, Says Business Ties Serve National Interest

Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday warned that China poses “national security threats” to the United Kingdom, even as he defended his government’s push to deepen engagement with Beijing, arguing that stronger commercial ties are vital to Britain’s economic interests.

Speaking to business leaders in London’s financial district, Starmer said the UK’s approach to China had “blown hot and cold” for too long, swinging from the early “golden era” of warm relations to years of sharp criticism over espionage allegations. He called for a more stable, “serious” strategy that avoids “simplistic binary choices.”

“You can work and trade with a country while still protecting yourself,” Starmer said, insisting his government would not sacrifice national security for economic access. “Protecting our security is non-negotiable — our first duty. But by taking tough steps to keep us secure, we enable ourselves to cooperate in other areas.”

Starmer’s remarks mark the first time he has publicly labeled China a national security threat — a move that comes after a spying case collapsed in September when the government declined to use similar language.

Criticising the previous Conservative government’s limited engagement with Beijing as “a dereliction of duty,” Starmer noted that European leaders had frequently visited China in recent years. French President Emmanuel Macron has travelled there twice since 2018, while German leaders have made four visits. The last British prime minister to do so was Theresa May in 2018.

Starmer is preparing for his own visit to China next year, according to sources, following trips by several cabinet ministers since Labour took power last year.

The prime minister urged British firms to expand their presence in sectors where cooperation carries little security risk, citing financial and professional services, creative industries, pharmaceuticals and luxury goods. “The export opportunities are huge and we will back you to seize them,” he said.