Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to China, including a two-day stop in Shanghai from 30-31 January, marked a significant moment in UK–China relations and BritCham Shanghai’s role as a key platform for engagement.
The Prime Minister described the visit as “a historic visit to China.”
“We have come very much in the spirit of engagement, of resetting, and setting out a consistent long-term, comprehensive, and strategic partnership,” he said.
At the same time, President Xi noted that the UK and China as supporters of multilateralism and free trade, should jointly advocate and practice true multilateralism, and facilitate the establishment of a more just and equitable global governance system, so as to build an equal and orderly multipolar world and realize universally beneficial and inclusive globalization.
Our member companies were actively represented throughout the programme as well, with senior representatives from British businesses such as HSBC, JLR, KPMG, Linklaters LLP, Brunswick Group, Swire Group, attending the House of UK Reception and meeting with the Prime Minister.
The UK–China Business Forum was also strongly supported by companies such as HSBC, Bridgepoint, AstraZeneca, Reckitt, Johnson Matthey and Octopus Energy, underscoring the breadth and depth of UK–China business engagement.
Looking ahead, the visit reinforced the importance of constructive, pragmatic UK–China engagement and the vital role of business in the bilateral relationship. BritCham Shanghai will continue to support its members through advocacy, community-building, and insight-led knowledge sharing, as we build on the momentum and connections established during the Prime Minister’s visit.
Wednesday, 28 Jan
Arrived in Beijing, accompanied by the Secretary of State for Business and Trade Peter Kyle and Economic Secretary to the Treasury Lucy Rigby. A delegation of nearly 60 business and cultural organisations joined the visit.
Thursday, 29 Jan
Met with President Xi Jinping; afternoon talks with Premier Li Qiang; cultural visit to the Forbidden City. Met with chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, Zhao Leji.
Friday, 30 Jan
Arrived in Shanghai; visited Yuyuan Garden; attended The House of UK reception and met senior leaders from UK enterprises in Shanghai.
Saturday, 31 Jan
Met with Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Jining.Cultural visit including CityWalk along the Bund with Peter Kyle, UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, and visit to Design Innovation Institute Shanghai.
AstraZeneca confirmed £10.9 billion investment in China through 2030, focused on medicine manufacturing and R&D. CEO Pascal Soriot highlighted China as a critical contributor to innovation and advanced manufacturing, while the PM welcomed the announcement’s support for thousands of UK jobs.
