Britain’s Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has stated that the United Kingdom will not be forced to choose between its relationship with the United States and its engagement with China, as he prepares to begin a high-profile visit to Beijing and Shanghai.

The remarks, made in an interview with international media on the eve of the trip, underscore the government’s position that the UK can maintain strong ties with its closest security ally, the United States, while pursuing trade and economic opportunities with China, the world’s second-largest economy.

Starmer said that despite frequent invitations to choose between countries, he has rejected such binary framing, citing past experience when negotiating a trade agreement with the United States and Europe without abandoning either partnership.

The prime minister said the UK has close relations with the United States, which it will continue to cultivate alongside cooperation on security and defence, while also acknowledging the economic importance of China.

The remarks come as the prime minister leads a delegation of senior government officials, business leaders and representatives from universities and cultural institutions to Beijing and Shanghai.

The trip is the first visit by a British prime minister to China in eight years and is part of a broader effort to reset diplomatic and economic relations that have been strained in recent years over issues including trade disputes, human rights, and national security concerns.

Starmer’s comments reference the contrast with remarks by leaders of other Western countries that have faced pressure from Washington over closer ties with Beijing.

He indicated that engaging with China’s economy does not necessitate weakening relations with the United States.

The prime minister said that ignoring China’s market opportunities would be imprudent given its size and significance to global trade.

Observers have noted that the UK’s approach reflects an attempt to balance long-standing security alliances with evolving economic imperatives.

The delegation’s agenda includes meetings with Chinese political leaders, including President Xi Jinping, as well as representatives from major sectors such as finance, technology, climate and education.

Issues related to bilateral investment, market access and cooperation on global economic challenges are expected to feature prominently in discussions.

Starmer’s statements signal a continued commitment to sustaining diplomatic engagement with both global powers without subordinating one relationship to the other, even amid geopolitical tensions and differing strategic priorities.