Summary
The UK announced that China will allow British citizens to visit for up to 30 days without needing a visa, following a meeting between UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The UK hopes this change will boost economic ties with China and bring travel rules in line with countries like France and Germany. Discussions also included a potential services agreement to ease business operations and a reduction in import taxes on UK whiskey.
Key Facts
- China will permit British citizens to visit for up to 30 days without a visa.
- Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met with President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
- The UK seeks to strengthen economic ties with China to support growth.
- There is no confirmed start date for the new visa-free travel rule.
- The UK aims to align its visa rules with over 50 other countries.
- The UK and China are considering a services agreement to help UK businesses.
- China agreed to lower import taxes on UK whiskey from 10% to 5%.
- Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca plans a $15 billion investment in China by 2030.
