Following the Prime Minister’s visit to China in January and continued ministerial engagement, this visit represents a further important step in strengthening dialogue and deepening practical cooperation between the UK and China. As the UK’s principal platform for UK-China commercial engagement, CBBC recognises that sustained, senior-level government interaction plays a vital role in supporting business confidence, facilitating market access, and unlocking new opportunities for growth.

CBBC’s own figures show that total bilateral trade, including Hong Kong, reached £130.6 billion in the four quarters to Q4 2025, representing a 5.8% year-on-year increase. UK services exports to China grew by 7.3% over the same period, contributing to a significant UK services surplus of £11.7 billion. Meanwhile, UK goods exports to China rose by 5.3%, highlighting continued demand for high-quality British products. 

Rising confidence is also reflected by the rise in footfall between the UK and China. This year we have seen a notable increase in the number of British business delegations coming to China and vice versa. In the last two months, CBBC has led delegations to Zhejiang, Chongqing, Hainan, Wuxi, Suzhou and Shanghai, with some delegations featuring over 50 companies. UK business delegation travel to China has been made much easier by the 30-day visa-free travel policy secured during the Prime Minister’s visit to China in January.

At a time of global economic uncertainty and growing trade fragmentation, constructive engagement with China can support the UK’s long-term economic competitiveness, helping businesses diversify markets, drive innovation, and contribute to sustainable growth.