China Weighs Visa-Free Travel for U.K. Citizens, Cuts Whiskey Tariffs
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China signaled a warming of ties with the U.K. on Thursday, offering lower tariffs on whiskey and identifying potential visa-free entry for British citizens, as Beijing seeks to stabilize relations with key Western economies amid a shifting geopolitical landscape.
The announcements followed meetings between Chinese leadership and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Jan. 29, marking a renewed effort to develop a stable, long-term strategic partnership. According to a list of outcomes released by state media, the two nations agreed to resume high-level security dialogues and restart regular mechanisms for strategic and economic engagement.
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- China lowered whiskey import tariffs to 5% and is considering visa-free entry for UK citizens to improve bilateral relations.
- Both countries agreed to resume high-level dialogues, enhance financial cooperation, and signed 12 intergovernmental agreements across multiple sectors.
- The Bank of China’s London branch became the UK’s second renminbi clearing bank, strengthening London as an offshore hub for China’s currency.
- Bank of China
- The Bank of China's London branch was designated as the second renminbi clearing bank in the U.K. This move reinforces London's role as a significant offshore hub for the Chinese currency. The decision was part of broader financial cooperation agreements between China and the U.K.
- January 29, 2026：
- China signaled a warming of ties with the U.K., offering lower tariffs on whiskey and identifying potential visa-free entry for British citizens.
- January 29, 2026：
- Chinese leadership met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
- January 29, 2026：
- China reduced the import tariff on whiskey to 5% from 10%.
- January 29, 2026：
- The leaders witnessed the signing of 12 intergovernmental cooperation documents covering various sectors.
- 2026：
- Both sides agreed to establish a China-U.K. financial working group and convene its first meeting.
- 2026：
- The Bank of China’s London branch was designated as the second renminbi clearing bank in the U.K.
- 2026：
- China and the U.K. plan to jointly host an insurance forum.
- 2026：
- The two nations agreed in principle to resume normal exchanges between their legislative bodies.
- 2026：
- A high-level climate and natural partnership will be established.
- Within 2026：
- The China-U.K. Strategic Dialogue, Economic and Financial Dialogue, and Joint Economic and Trade Commission meeting will be held.
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