Reference News Network, January 31 report: According to Reuters, on January 30, UK Prime Minister Starmer said it would be foolish for the UK not to engage with China, refuting US President Trump's claim that doing business with Beijing is dangerous.
Additionally, according to the website of Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao, US President Trump warned the UK not to engage in commercial cooperation with China, saying it would be "very dangerous." UK Prime Minister Starmer stated that engaging with China was to see the "whole elephant."
On January 30, when asked about the UK's commitment to strengthening cooperation with China, Trump said: "They (the UK) are doing something very dangerous. I think Canada's commercial cooperation with China is even more dangerous."
Starmer is the fifth Western leader to visit China in two months, following France, Ireland, Canada, and Finland.
During the closing ceremony of the Sino-UK Business Council meeting on January 30, Starmer emphasized that engagement with China is to gain a comprehensive understanding. He mentioned the story of blind men touching an elephant. He said, "When you touch the leg of an elephant, you think you're touching a pillow; when you touch the belly, you think you're touching a wall. This reflects people's views of China." He added that broader and deeper engagement is "the way to see the whole elephant and thus build a more mature relationship that meets the demands of the times."
After concluding his visit to Beijing, Starmer arrived in Shanghai on the afternoon of January 30. According to reports, accompanied by Chinese officials, he visited Yu Garden in the light rain, bought butterfly cookies at the famous restaurant Lvbo Lang, and watched lanterns designed by Shanghai university students, which incorporated British elements. It is expected that he will stay in Shanghai for two days.
Original: toutiao.com/article/7601386123969036810/
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