British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made waves at the UK–China Business Forum in Beijing this week, urging companies and institutions to 'build bridges, not walls' in cross-border collaboration. 🌉 The event, held on January 30, drew hundreds of government officials, business leaders, and cultural ambassadors from both nations.
'Our shared challenges – from climate tech to AI governance – demand joint solutions,' Starmer declared, highlighting opportunities in renewable energy and digital innovation. 💡 The forum saw preliminary agreements signed in sectors including electric vehicle manufacturing and university research partnerships.
Cultural exchanges took center stage too, with plans unveiled for a 2026 UK-China youth arts festival. 🎭 Meanwhile, economic analysts note bilateral trade between the two nations has grown 8% year-to-date compared to 2025 figures.
This diplomatic push comes as both nations navigate shifting global supply chains and compete in emerging tech markets. 📈 While Starmer emphasized 'healthy competition,' he reiterated that 'cooperation remains our North Star' in addressing global issues.
