Conservatives criticise Starmer China trip as security fears dominate visit

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has warned that Sir Keir Starmer should not be travelling to China, accusing the Prime Minister of engaging with a state she says is working against British interests.

Speaking at a press conference in central London, the Conservative leader questioned the timing of the visit, arguing that the Government should prioritise relationships with countries it considers closer allies.

She said she would not have made the journey herself, adding that Britain should be talking to nations concerned about China’s growing power rather than, in her words, one that is undermining the UK economy.

Sir Keir, who arrived in Beijing on Wednesday morning to a formal welcome by Chinese officials, has defended the trip as part of a bid to stabilise relations and promote economic growth while protecting national security. He told business leaders travelling with him that they were “making history” and helping to drive a new phase in Britain’s international engagement.

During the visit, the Prime Minister is due to meet President Xi Jinping in Beijing before heading on to Shanghai and then Japan. The last UK prime minister to visit China was Theresa May in 2018.

Downing Street has argued that Britain cannot ignore China’s expanding global influence, saying that refusing to engage would be irresponsible. Before departing, Sir Keir said that past UK policy had swung between extremes and that a consistent approach was needed, one that balanced economic co operation with clear recognition of areas of disagreement.

He stressed that engagement did not mean overlooking challenges, and said the aim was to deliver benefits for the public while keeping the country safe through pragmatic diplomacy.

More than 60 British firms and cultural organisations are represented on the delegation, including major banks, manufacturers and arts institutions. The visit, planned for over a year, comes as the Government seeks to boost economic growth, which Sir Keir has described as his top priority.

Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, is not part of the trip after meeting Chinese officials in Davos last week, but Business Secretary Peter Kyle and Treasury minister Lucy Rigby are attending.

Despite the economic focus, the visit has drawn criticism amid continuing concerns about espionage and national security. Reports earlier this week claimed that Chinese hackers targeted phones belonging to close aides of former prime ministers between 2021 and 2024.

Sir Keir said his own staff had not been affected and insisted that strict security measures were in place, including the use of temporary phones and laptops. Speaking to reporters on the flight to Beijing, he said there was no evidence of his team being successfully targeted and that Britain’s security would not be compromised in the pursuit of trade links.

Ms Badenoch also criticised the Government’s decision to grant planning permission for a large new Chinese embassy in London, saying many people feared it could be used for spying. She accused the Prime Minister of giving ground when faced with pressure and contrasted his approach with what she described as her own firmer stance.

She added that she was concerned about what concessions Sir Keir might make during the visit, calling for a foreign policy rooted in realism and focused squarely on national interests.

The Prime Minister is expected to raise human rights issues in his talks with President Xi, although officials have not specified which topics will be discussed in advance. His advisers have said that economic engagement will not come at the expense of national security.