Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK), assured that his trip to China would deliver for the British people.
He disclosed, he has now secured export and investment deals worth billions of pounds for the UK.
This is coming following the UK PM’s three-day visit to China where he had a meeting with Xi Jinping, President of China, in Beijing.
Starmer said, his meeting with the Chinese President will help both countries build a “strategic partnership”.
The UK Leader’s trip to China is the first by a British Leader in eight (8) years, and it is coming after President of the United States (US), Donald Trump, called the UK “stupid” for giving away the Diego Garcia Island to Mauritius.
This move by the UK angered Trump as the Island hosts a “vital” Military Base of the United States (US).
PM Starmer posted on X: “I said my visit to China would deliver for British people. I meant it.
“We’ve now secured billions of pounds worth of export and investment deals for the UK.
“That includes a huge boost for our whisky industry – China has cut tariffs in half – proof that our pragmatic international engagement brings benefits to Britain.
“That’s why I’m here, to deliver for you back home.”
Also, Starmer’s visit to Beijing is fuelled by Trump’s recent tariffs (10%) on the United Kingdom (UK), Denmark, France, Germany, and other countries in the European Union (EU), after they “refused” to allow America take over Greenland.
China will reduce tariffs on imports from 10% to 5% with the aim to boost the Whisky Industry of Britain after both Leaders met to fix strained relations.
A statement by the State Council of China reveals, the lowering of tariff rate will take effect on February 2, 2026.
The mission of the UK PM to the Asian country is to “support jobs and strengthen relationships”.
Office of the Prime Minister said on X: “What happens in China matters at home.
“That’s why Prime Minister @Keir_Starmer and 60 business leaders are banging the drum for Britain on the world stage – supporting jobs and strengthening relationships.”
It announced on Thursday the export deal would be worth £250 million ($344.13 million) to British exporters over the next five (5) years.
Tariffs on Scotch Whisky were among the issues discussed by Starmer and Xi in the Chinese Capital on Thursday where both Leaders pledged stronger collaboration in investment, trade and technology.
In 2025, China imported $445.5 million worth of Whisky, of which 84% was from the UK, as made known by Customs Data and Reuters calculations.
