China
2026.01.30 11:34 GMT+8

Whisky, visas, partnership and more: What China, UK achieved during Starmer's visit

Updated 2026.01.30 11:34 GMT+8
CGTN

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks during a press conference at the Great Hall of the People, Beijing, China, January 29, 2026. /VCG

The official visit of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to China has yielded a series of concrete outcomes, as the two countries have agreed to develop a long-term consistent comprehensive strategic partnership.

China has decided to reduce import tariffs on whisky from 10 percent to 5 percent, and is considering granting a unilateral visa waiver to British citizens. Furthermore, both countries agreed to establish a high-level partnership to address climate change, resumed security dialogue and signed 12 intergovernmental cooperation documents.

Starmer, the first British prime minister to visit China in eight years, is on a four-day trip that will conclude on Saturday.

Here's a full list of the outcomes China and the UK have achieved during the visit:

1. Both sides committed to developing a long-term consistent comprehensive strategic partnership.

2. Both sides agreed to establish a high-level partnership on climate and nature.

3. Both sides resumed the holding of a high-level security dialogue.

4. A new round of strategic dialogues, economic and financial dialogues, and trade and economic joint committee meetings will be held within the year.

5. Both sides agreed in principle to resume normal exchanges between their legislative bodies. China welcomes members of the British parliament to visit China more frequently to gain a better understanding of the real China.

6. A UK-China Business Council meeting was held, with both sides agreeing to further strengthen two-way trade and investment cooperation.

7. Both sides welcomed the establishment of the China-UK Financial Working Group and its inaugural meeting. They also welcomed the Bank of China's London branch becoming the second RMB clearing bank in the UK, and agreed to jointly host the China-UK Insurance Forum.

8. China is actively considering granting a unilateral visa waiver to British citizens.

9. China will reduce the import tariff rate on whisky from 10 percent to 5 percent.

10. Leaders from both countries witnessed the signing of 12 intergovernmental cooperation documents in areas such as economy and trade, agriculture and food, culture, market regulation, and law enforcement cooperation.

11. Both sides also reached multiple cooperation agreements in areas such as finance, healthcare, media and education.

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