US President Donald Trump has warned that it is “very dangerous” for the United Kingdom to strengthen economic ties with China, as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer continued his visit to Beijing aimed at resetting relations between the two countries.

Trump made the comments after the UK and China announced a series of agreements designed to boost trade, business, and investment, following talks between Sir Keir and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Speaking to reporters at the premiere of a documentary about his wife, Melania Trump, he cautioned against Britain’s growing engagement with China but did not elaborate further.

Downing Street later indicated that the US administration had been informed in advance about the prime minister’s visit and its objectives.

Trump shifted his criticism to Canada, describing its engagement with China as “even more dangerous.” He warned that China should not be seen as a solution to Canada’s economic challenges and reiterated earlier threats to impose tariffs if Ottawa proceeded with economic agreements reached during Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent trip to Beijing.

The comments came shortly after Sir Keir described UK–China relations as being in a “good, strong place” following his meeting with President Xi at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People. Addressing the UK-China Business Forum, Sir Keir said discussions had been productive and met the UK’s expectations, highlighting Britain’s economic strengths and potential.

Several outcomes have emerged from the visit, including agreements on visa-free travel, reduced whisky tariffs, and a £10.9 billion investment by AstraZeneca to establish manufacturing facilities in China. Both countries also announced enhanced cooperation in areas such as tackling organised crime and illegal immigration.

Chris Torrens, chair of the British Chamber of Commerce in China, welcomed the visit, describing it as successful and commercially sensible given China’s position as one of the UK’s major trading partners. He noted that several Western leaders have recently visited Beijing or plan to do so, including Trump himself, who is expected to travel to China later this year.

Sir Keir was scheduled to conclude his China visit in Shanghai before heading to Tokyo for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

However, the trip has drawn criticism from opposition figures in the UK. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp accused the prime minister of compromising national security for limited economic gains. Despite the criticism, official trade data shows the United States remained the UK’s largest trading partner in 2025, with China ranking fourth.