Pragmatic Approach ‘A Must’ For China Visit
28 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 clear opportunities to expand this further, including in education, tourism, cultural institutions, and the financial and professional services sectors.
Other industries with strong 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.”
Against this backdrop, UK businesses looking to better understand the realities of trading with China are increasingly seeking practical, on-the-ground insight. In response, West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce are Chamber International are progressing plans for a UK–China Trade Mission taking place from 18–24 April 2026. The visit is designed to help companies assess commercial opportunities, understand market-entry considerations and navigate risk in a structured and informed way, offering direct engagement with the market and clarity on whether China and Hong Kong align with their long-term international growth strategy.
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