Trump Says Starmer’s Trade Deals With China Are ‘Very Dangerous’ for Britain

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said he doubted President Donald Trump would slap tariffs on Britain for making trade deals with China.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer speaks at the UK–China Business Forum at the headquarters of the Bank of China in Beijing on Jan. 30, 2026. Carl Court/PA Media

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Keir Starmer of the dangers of doing business with China, after the British prime minister signed a series of agreements with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing.

Starmer on Thursday said he wanted a “more sophisticated relationship” with China, and signed deals to lower tariffs on Scottish whisky exports to China and allow British citizens to visit the country visa-free for up to 30 days.