
China and Britain — Thawing ties, underlying tensions
From China In Context by SOAS China Institute
February 3, 2026 · 42 min · Season 6 · Episode 202
About this episode
The episode discusses the recent diplomatic efforts between China and Britain, highlighting both progress and ongoing tensions.
Sir Keir Starmer described his recent trip to China as a chance to end the ‘ice age’ in the two countries’ ties and build a more ‘sophisticated’ relationship. But despite the announcement of visa free-travel to China for British visitors, and the lifting of sanctions on six British MPs and peers, Starmer has been criticised by political opponents for failing to secure the release of publisher and British citizen Jimmy Lai, recently found guilty of sedition and national security offences in Ho...
Topics covered
- China-Britain relations
- political diplomacy
- international travel
- human rights
- political criticism
Keywords
- China
- Britain
- diplomacy
- visa free-travel
- Jimmy Lai
- political criticism
- Keir Starmer
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: China, Britain, British
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