China hosts British businesses ahead of Prime Minister Starmer visit to Beijing
Chinese officials met with 30 British companies on January 23 to discuss trade ties. The talks precede Prime Minister Keir Starmer's upcoming visit to Beijing.
Insights:
On Friday, January 23, 2026, Chinese Commerce Vice Minister Ling Ji ling jihosted a roundtable meeting with representatives from 30 British companies in a concerted effort to improve trade relations. The session, organized by the Chinese Commerce Ministry, comes just days before British Prime Minister Keir Starmer keir starmeris scheduled to arrive in Beijing during the week of January 27. The high-level dialogue signals an official push by China 
CNto reinvigorate business ties with the United Kingdom 
GBthat have faced significant strain in recent years.
CNto reinvigorate business ties with the United Kingdom GBthat have faced significant strain in recent years.Major multinational firms including Swire Pacific Ltd , HSBC Holdings plc , and InterContinental Hotels Group PLC were among the 30 participants at the meeting. During the discussions, Ling Jiemphasized that Chinaand the United Kingdomshould deepen their trade and investment cooperation while adhering to a framework of win-win outcomes. He specifically invited British companies to expand their investments in the Chinese market across sectors such as consumption, green transformation, and science and technology.
