Brits will be able to travel to China without a visa under a new pact to relax the rules.
Holidaymakers and business travellers will be able to avoid the hassle of getting a visa for trips under 30 days.
Keir Starmer announced the move after meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing as he seeks to boost economic ties. It brings the UK in line with 50 other countries including France, Germany, Italy, Australia and Japan.
The Prime Minister said: “As one of the world ’s economic powerhouses, businesses have been crying out for ways to grow their footprints in China. We’ll make it easier for them to do so – including via relaxed visa rules for short-term travel – supporting them to expand abroad, all while boosting growth and jobs at home.”
Both countries will also look at the prospect of deal on services to set clear and legally binding rules for UK firms doing business in China.
The UK is the world’s second largest exporter of services and demand from China in this area is growing.
Between 2023 and 2035, Chinese professional and business services imports are forecast to grow by 121%, financial services imports by 71% and digital services imports by 78%.
Business Secretary Peter Kyle said: “There are huge growth opportunities for services, currently underweighted in our exports to China, from the legal and financial sectors to health and education.
“That’s why we are excited to be joined on this visit by top UK enterprises, as well as fast emerging ones and leading figures from across our cultural and service sectors, to reinforce cooperation, showcase our strengths, and build new business opportunities for Britain.”
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