UK Prime Minister Starmer said that the UK does not have to choose between the US and China.

On the eve of his visit to China, Prime Minister Starmer's statement that "the UK does not have to choose between the US and China" reflects the new government's pursuit of a more balanced and pragmatic foreign policy direction.

During an interview with Bloomberg on January 26, 2026, Starmer mainly expressed the following points:

Refusing to take sides: Starmer clearly stated that he "would not" choose between the US and China. He gave an example that when dealing with the US-UK trade agreement, he also refused to choose between the US and Europe.

Emphasizing existing relationships: He confirmed that the UK maintains "extremely close" relations with the US in commercial, security, and defense areas, and will continue to maintain them.

Valuing Chinese opportunities: He clearly pointed out that "it is not wise to bury one's head in the sand and ignore China, the world's second-largest economy, and the business opportunities it contains." He advocated engaging with China.

Starmer's Labour Party came to power after the 2024 election. The new government may seek to end the Brexit disputes and excessive submission to the US under the previous Conservative government, and shift toward a foreign policy that focuses more on national interests and practical cooperation.

Analysts believe that the Starmer government may not completely change its policies but will carry out a "rebalance," allowing the UK to maintain a friendlier relationship with Beijing and establish better "coordination" between areas of disagreement and cooperation.

Starmer's statement centers on the hope that the UK has greater strategic autonomy in foreign affairs, taking a more balanced and pragmatic stance between the two major powers, the US and China. This marks a phase where the UK's policy toward China may focus more on actual economic interests, but the specific direction of the bilateral relationship still needs to be observed through subsequent actions.

Original: toutiao.com/article/1855506044408832/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author himself.