Starmer and Xi discussed tariffs, travel and migration

• Agreement reached on reducing whisky tariffs, with discussions covering specific reduction amounts and implementation timelines
• China agreed to visa-free travel for British citizens and information exchange on small boats used in irregular migration into Britain
• Starmer and Xi held a 'respectful' discussion about Jimmy Lai, the British citizen and former Hong Kong media tycoon convicted of national security crimes in December

Summary: UK-China Summit Focuses on Trade and Migration

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on January 29, 2026, for an 80-minute summit that yielded progress on key bilateral issues.

Key Outcomes:

The leaders reached agreements on three main areas:

• Tariff reduction on whisky exports – specific reduction amounts and timelines were discussed
• Visa-free travel to China for British citizens
• Information exchange on irregular migration, particularly concerning small boats entering Britain

Strategic Context:

Starmer characterized the talks as putting the UK-China relationship in a "strong place" and emphasized the whisky tariff reduction as a model for broader market access for British businesses in China. This push for expanded trade opportunities aligns with the UK government's efforts to stimulate Britain's sluggish economy.

The discussions extended beyond trade to include security and defense matters, with irregular migration cooperation being part of a wider strategic focus.

Sensitive Issues:

The leaders also addressed the case of Jimmy Lai, a British citizen and former Hong Kong media tycoon convicted in December 2025 of national security crimes. Starmer described this discussion as "respectful," though no details of the outcome were provided.

Market Implications:

The tariff reduction on whisky represents a positive development for UK spirits exporters, potentially opening pathways for broader market access. The emphasis on economic cooperation suggests both nations are prioritizing trade relations despite geopolitical tensions. Businesses across sectors may benefit from improved UK-China commercial ties as Starmer pursues growth-oriented policies.