TEHRAN — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to China has highlighted a broader shift in global diplomacy, showcasing the contrast between nations willing to engage Beijing and the unilateral approach pursued by US President Donald Trump. 

Hitting back at critics, including Conservative politicians who accused him of “kowtowing” to China, Starmer argued that “it would be foolhardy to sit with your head in the sand and refuse to engage.” He emphasized that engagement allows countries not only to pursue opportunities but also to raise “difficult and sensitive issues” through direct dialogue rather than avoidance.

A central moment of the trip was Starmer’s meeting with President Xi Jinping, the first such encounter between a UK prime minister and the Chinese leader in several years. The talks produced tangible outcomes: China agreed to reduce tariffs on certain UK products, ease visa rules, and explore further market access for British services. Xi described the visit as constructive and signaled openness to deeper cooperation, underscoring Beijing’s interest in stabilizing ties with London.

Trump publicly rebuked Starmer, describing closer UK-China ties as “very dangerous.” His criticism extended beyond the UK, as he has also threatened Canada with 100% tariffs if Ottawa pursued a trade agreement with Beijing. These statements illustrate Trump’s reliance on coercive, unilateral tactics rather than negotiation or multilateral engagement.

Starmer downplayed the severity of Trump’s remarks, noting that much of the warning was directed at Canada. He underscored the importance of dialogue and mutual benefit, revealing a stark divergence: while some Western leaders pursue engagement, the US administration under Trump continues to emphasize threats and pressure.

Adding further nuance, Trump himself has announced plans to visit China in April. This trip underscores the strategic importance of Beijing, even as he publicly criticizes other countries for engaging with China. Expected topics include easing visa access for US executives and expanding commercial ties. For China, hosting Trump reinforces its global centrality and diplomatic strength, demonstrating that even its most vocal critics cannot ignore Beijing’s role in global trade and diplomacy.

European engagement

Starmer’s visit mirrors a broader European trend. Germany has engaged China over the past year, balancing economic opportunities with strategic concerns. Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to visit China in February. French President Emmanuel Macron has also recently traveled to China, emphasizing Europe’s desire to maintain open channels with Beijing. These interactions show that Europe approaches China pragmatically, seeking cooperation while managing geopolitical risks.

China’s foreign policy emphasizes win-win cooperation and a shared future for mankind. These principles resonate with members of the Global South, developing economies, and even European partners who value constructive and results-oriented diplomacy. Through consistent engagement, infrastructure projects, trade agreements, and investment partnerships, China has expanded influence across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe.

The cost of unilateralism

Trump’s approach, with tariff threats and public admonishments, highlights the limitations of coercive unilateralism. While intended to assert leverage, such measures risk isolating the United States from traditional allies and push countries toward independent engagement with China. Starmer’s visit, along with Europe’s outreach, exemplifies a strategy of engagement: using dialogue to secure economic and strategic advantages without alienating partners.

China’s consistent emphasis on cooperation, shared prosperity, and multilateral partnerships continues to attract a wide range of global actors. Even critics must engage directly, as evidenced by Trump’s upcoming visit. In today’s multipolar world, pragmatic engagement with China is increasingly central to international diplomacy, highlighting the limits of unilateralism and the enduring appeal of cooperative foreign policy.