In another eastern pivot, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited China after an eight-year hiatus to mend ties with the world’s second-largest economy. This comes amid tensions with the US ally, disputes over Greenland, tariff issues, disagreements over resolving the Ukraine crisis, and Britain’s readiness to diversify relations in response to political and economic uncertainty in a volatile international environment.

Europeans appear to have downplayed certain security and human rights concerns in pursuit of these moves, as trade disputes intensify. This shift aims to recalibrate relationships around economic interests, recognising that surviving high tariffs is no longer feasible under old patterns of alliances. Fluctuating relations with China have not served either side, and the current international climate may encourage the development of a long-term partnership.

Focus on mutual interests

In China, understandings with Britain have focused on mutual interests, including potential visa exemptions for British citizens, British export contracts worth approximately $3 billion over five years in the Chinese market, pledges of Chinese investment in the UK, and tariff reductions on certain British goods. Facilitating travel and business is expected to create new opportunities for British investment in China and expand cooperation in healthcare, financial and professional services, legal services, and education. Both sides are also considering negotiations for a bilateral services agreement.

Should relations extend beyond economics, China and the UK — both permanent members of the UN Security Council — could engage in dialogue and coordination on international security issues, although expectations in this regard remain limited in the near term. The primary goal of the visit is to normalise relations between London and Beijing, which have deteriorated in recent years over security and human rights issues. Nevertheless, expansion into broader areas cannot be ruled out.

The transatlantic alliance between Europe and the United States is facing one of its most difficult tests in decades, amid European security risks, weakening strategic alignments, and efforts to build a unified European capability to withstand external challenges, particularly amid divisions within NATO. Meanwhile, China offers substantial investment opportunities in vital sectors. Europe’s desired balance rests on diversifying relations, adapting to international shifts, and building resilience through economic and strategic autonomy.

Europe’s long reliance on the American ally now appears to have delayed its search for alternatives. Today, it seems compelled to seek new partners—including some once considered adversaries. Amid geopolitical turbulence and uncertainty, Eastern powers, particularly China and India, have become preferred destinations for European states seeking economic partners. The time may come when these eastern partnerships evolve from economic ties into full strategic partnerships.

Hanging in there

Get Updates on Topics You Choose