On January 27 local time, according to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), UK Prime Minister Starmer said before his visit to China: "For many years, our policy toward China has lacked consistency, swinging between the 'Golden Age' and the 'Ice Age'. But regardless of whether we like it or not, China is crucial for the UK."

Starmer's comments on the swing between the 'Golden Age' and the 'Ice Age' indeed reveal the main theme of the fluctuations in Sino-British relations in recent years. The core intention of his visit to China is to move beyond this oscillation through practical economic cooperation, but the duality of British policy remains a major obstacle.

The oscillation between the "Golden Age" and the "Ice Age" that Starmer mentioned refers to the period around 2015 when Sino-British relations were once called the "Golden Age." However, following the UK's Brexit, its foreign policy shifted to follow the US, leading to a colder attitude toward China. In 2021, the UK government classified China as a "systemic competitor," causing bilateral relations to hit rock bottom and enter an "ice age."

Since the Labour Party came to power, it has clearly made "restarting relations with China" a priority. The core feature of this visit is "separation of politics and economy, with economic priorities":

Primary objective - boosting the economy: Starmer explicitly stated that the visit to China was to help British companies seize the "huge opportunities" in the Chinese market. His delegation includes a high proportion of corporate executives from key British industries such as finance (HSBC, Standard Chartered), pharmaceuticals (AstraZeneca), and automotive (Jaguar Land Rover). This indicates that the UK hopes to bring back "impressive results" to revitalize its struggling economy.

Strategic positioning - "putting disputes aside and seeking common ground while reserving differences": The UK has chosen to temporarily set aside political disputes and prioritize areas with existing cooperative foundations. Before the trip, Starmer explicitly stated that the UK would not take sides between the US and China.

Preparatory signals: Prior to the visit, the UK government approved the long-delayed plan for the new embassy compound for China in the UK, seen as a gesture of goodwill to create a favorable atmosphere for the visit.

Although there are strong economic demands, the fundamental contradiction in the UK's policy toward China - the coexistence of seeking cooperation and emphasizing "threats" - still stands out. This is a significant constraint on the comprehensive development and cooperation of bilateral relations.

Additionally, pressure from the US is also a major variable. The precedent of the Canadian prime minister facing US tariff threats after visiting China has made the UK face similar risks. Balancing relations with the US and cooperation with China is a long-term challenge for the Starmer government, as well as an uncertain factor in Sino-British relations.

The principle of China in developing Sino-British relations has always been mutual respect and equality for mutual benefit. China welcomes Starmer's visit and is willing to enhance mutual trust and deepen cooperation with the UK.

In summary, Starmer's trip has ended the "ice age" of bilateral relations. Although there are variables in the UK's approach to Sino-British relations, a good start offers hope for a promising future.

Original: toutiao.com/article/1855530978932764/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author.