Starmer also contrasted his approach with that of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, whose visit to China this month — and subsequent speech in Davos declaring the old world order “ruptured” — prompted Trump to threaten a new wave of tariffs on Ottawa.
Trump was asked about the U.K.’s pursuit of closer ties with Beijing as he attended the premiere of the film “Melania” in Washington. The U.S. president saved his harshest criticism for Carney but also warned Britain about its business dealings with China.
“It’s very dangerous for them to do that,” Trump said. “And it’s even more dangerous, I think, for Canada to get into business with China.
“Canada is not doing well. They’re doing very poorly, and you can’t look at China as the answer.
“I know China very well. I know President Xi is a friend of mine. I know him very well. But that’s a big hurdle to go over.”
A U.K. government official said the U.S. was aware of Starmer’s trip and Britain’s objectives in advance.