China and the UK are attempting to reset their relationship - Among a handful of other western nations

 The British Prime Minister took a 4 day visit to Beijing recently in hopes to create a strategic partnership with China for the future. It is the first visit to China in 8 years by a British Prime Minister. Other countries have done similar in recent months, Ireland visiting for the first time in 14 years and the Canadian Prime Minister visiting as well. 

In a recent age where the US seems to be geopolitically violent towards China and other nations, the United State's allies are teaming up with China. What could be the reason? Here is a quote from the article

"Nearly 60% of the more than 300 British firms surveyed said doing business in the country was harder than it was a year ago, the body said in a report in December."

British firms in China have been struggling recently and as China continues to grow in economic power it seems Great Britain is trying to get on their good side. 

This moves come after Britain's trade deficit with China ballooned by over 18% year on year to 42 billion pounds ($58.1 billion) in the 12 months ending June 2025, according to the U.K. government data.

With this move Britain is trying to hopefully close the gap from the trade deficits and make it easier for British businesses to sell to China.  

Key takeaways:

Whisky Tariffs: China agreed to cut tariffs on British whisky from 10% to 5%.

Visa-Free Travel: In a surprise move, China announced 30-day visa-free travel for British citizens—a huge win for business travelers trying to "close the gap."