Several US allies, including the United Kingdom and Canada, are strengthening ties with China amid ongoing trade tensions triggered by US President Donald Trump’s tariff measures last year. Beijing has threatened countries supporting Washington’s trade restrictions and limited global rare earth supplies, a move analysts describe as a risky gamble by President Xi Jinping. Instead of easing the strain on US allies, China’s actions have deepened their economic challenges, pushing them closer to Beijing.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is currently visiting China, marking the first such trip by a UK leader since 2018. His visit aims to secure a bilateral trade deal and discuss sensitive issues, including the detention of Hong Kong activist and British citizen Jimmy Lai. Critics accuse Starmer of being too accommodating toward Beijing, citing his approval of a large Chinese embassy in London. Similarly, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has visited Beijing, calling for a “strategic new partnership” despite past election interference allegations.

Analysts suggest Beijing’s approach is yielding results, as more Western partners seek economic engagement with China while reassessing their dependence on Washington.