Despite the outcry over the botched spy trial, the British government is preparing a series of visits to China to “reset” relations.
British ministers prepare China visits despite spy scandal
The British government is pushing ahead with a plan to “reset” relations with China, despite the political storm caused by the collapse of a high-profile spy case.
Several senior officials are due to visit Beijing before the end of the year — National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson and Science Secretary Patrick Vallance. The visits will prepare for an expected trip by Prime Minister Keir Starmer in 2026.
Beijing trip under pressure from scandal
Powell’s trip is scheduled for November but could be postponed or cancelled after the official found himself at the centre of a controversy over the botched trial of two men accused of spying for China.
The prosecution unexpectedly dropped the charges, saying the government had not provided sufficient evidence that China posed a threat to national security.
Allegations of interference in justice
Opposition politicians have suggested the case may have been dropped for political reasons to avoid damaging trade relations with Beijing.
In response, Starmer released three statements given to the prosecution by Deputy National Security Adviser Matthew Collins and dismissed the interference allegations.
“The discussions were conducted on the assumption that the matter would move forward, which was the government’s desired outcome,” he said in a letter to Conservative leader Camille Badenoch.
Contacts continue despite scandal
Powell last visited Beijing in July, where he met China’s top diplomat Wang Yi. At that time, the two sides spoke of the need for a “consistent, stable and mutually respectful relationship.”
This year, ministers Rachel Reeves, Ed Miliband and Peter Kyle have already visited China, while on the British side, Beijing has hosted several senior officials, including the Foreign Secretary Oliver Robbins.
Expanding cooperation in education and science
Bridget Phillipson plans to discuss educational exchanges and university partnerships, while Patrick Vallance is due to host the first in-person science and technology forum between the countries since 2018 in November.
The last such meetings were held online only in 2021. British sources say the government is seeking to renew dialogue in the areas of education, energy, climate and innovation, avoiding direct security topics.
Starmer prepares visit against the backdrop of geopolitical game
Keir Starmer is scheduled to make a bilateral visit to China in February 2026, but the final dates may change due to parallel diplomatic moves by Donald Trump, who has also announced a trip to Beijing.
The last British prime minister to visit China was Theresa May in 2018, when relations were still called the “golden era”.
The balance between business and security
For Starmer’s government, this becomes a test of its ability to combine pragmatic diplomacy with political principles, as London tries to find its place between the US, the EU and Beijing in the new global balance.
Related: Keir Starmer heads to India to promote UK-India trade deal
