Pragmatic Approach ‘A Must’ For China Visit

28th January 2026

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is calling for the Prime Minister’s visit to China to be rooted in pragmatism and focused on delivering for the UK economy.

As the UK navigates an increasingly fractured global trade landscape it cannot afford to ignore its third largest trading partner and the world’s second biggest economy. 

UK–China trade currently generates around £100 billion a year, with over 10,000 firms involved in exporting. The UK already has a substantial surplus in services trade and there are a variety of opportunities to expand this, including in education, tourism, cultural institutions and the financial and professional sectors. 

Other businesses with great potential include life sciences, advanced manufacturing and the creative industries.

Steven Lynch MBE, Director of International Trade at the British Chambers of Commerce and former managing director of the British Chamber of Commerce in China, said: 

“The Prime Minister’s visit to Beijing is coming at a time when trade sits at the sharp edge of diplomacy and geopolitics. But this visit cannot be about resetting the global order, choosing sides or reordering alliances. It must be about economic diplomacy, clear-eyed pragmatism and focused on British jobs, growth and competitiveness. 

 

“Businesses in the UK are very interested in China. It supports 370,000 British jobs already, but they struggle to fully understand the opportunity it presents, how to manage the risk, and where to get help. Chambers have been stepping into that role for years but clearer direction from the Government is needed. 

 

“We also need to be clear that this is not an either-or choice between China and the United States, or even the EU. It’s about building resilience, diversifying and creating new opportunities. 

 

“Business confidence depends on stability, clarity and predictability in trading relationships. A focus on targeted engagement alongside strong economic security measures is the balance firms are looking for. They want openness where possible, but safeguards where necessary. 

 

“This visit won’t rebalance global trade overnight and it doesn’t need to. But if it lowers temperature, reduces friction and creates space for UK firms to operate with greater confidence, that is real progress.”