China dilemma: Can Keir stand up for British interests and cosy up to Beijing?

FOR all the talk of Keir Starmer’s “reset” with the EU, another perhaps even more consequential reboot has been taking place in the past year.

- MARTYN BROWN

Britain is seeking closer ties with China.

In just under a fortnight’s time Sir Keir is expected to travel to Beijing for the first visit by a British Prime Minister since Theresa May’s arrival in early 2018.

It will be a significant and controversial moment, considering the UK’s relationship with the Communist state has been somewhat icy during the intervening eight years.

But it is also inevitable as China - despite the best efforts of Donald Trump - is fast becoming the dominant superpower of the 21st century.

The Prime Minister hopes that forging improved relations with Beijing will help the UK tap into the Chinese behemoth as he attempts to revive our spluttering economy.

During Baroness May’s visit, the business delegation signed deals worth £9billion with the Chinese. The current incumbent of No10 will be hoping for more of the same on his trip to the Far East.

But, as tempting as the riches of Cathay are, political controversies loom large.

The proposed Chinese mega-embassy in the heart of London sparked a backlash amid fears it may become a “spy hub”.

Sir Keir’s visit, when he will meet President Xi Jinping in China’s capital as well as focus on trade and business in Shanghai, was widely rumoured to be contingent on the building being approved.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp has accused the Prime Minister of a “craven kowtow” to the Chinese as he tries to persuade them to “bail him out of the economic mess he and Rachel Reeves have created”.

The Tory MP was unflinching in his condemnation of the embassy project, warning that Sir Keir is putting our national security at risk by acting as “Peking’s poodle” and the “ultimate useful idiot”.