Trump Warns UK of Risks in Doing Business with China

By Otobong Gabriel,  Abuja 

Former US President Donald Trump has described Britain’s engagement with China as “very dangerous,” amid UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Beijing for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Speaking to reporters at the premiere of a documentary about First Lady Melania Trump, Trump was asked about the UK pursuing business ties with China. He replied: “Well, it’s very dangerous for them to do that.”

China’s foreign ministry responded on Friday through spokesman Guo Jiakun, emphasizing that the country is open to cooperation with all nations based on “mutual benefit and win-win results.”

Starmer’s visit marks the first by a British prime minister to China since 2018.

During his trip, he met with Xi and other Chinese officials, signing a series of cooperation agreements. The visit comes as several Western leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, have recently sought closer ties with Beijing—moves seen by some as a shift in approach from the unpredictability of the United States.

Trump also warned that Canada risks even greater danger in doing business with China, criticizing the country’s economic performance and suggesting Beijing is not a reliable partner. Earlier this month, Trump had threatened to impose 100-percent tariffs on Canadian imports if Carney pursued further deals with China, though Carney dismissed the warning as part of trade negotiations.