When Prime Minister Keir Starmer embarked on his diplomatic journey to Beijing this week, he was accompanied by a substantial delegation of more than fifty British business leaders and institutional representatives. The group included prominent figures from major City institutions such as Clifford Chance and PwC, alongside corporations like Barclays and GSK, and cultural bodies including the Natural History Museum.
Corporate Silence Speaks Volumes
Despite the Prime Minister's efforts to showcase strong business backing for enhanced UK-China relations, the majority of private sector participants have maintained a conspicuous silence. City AM reached out to thirty-five of the fifty-three organisations represented on the government-led trip, posing questions about their motivations for joining, their perspectives on economic ties with China, and any notable experiences from the visit.
Remarkably, all but three of the contacted private firms either declined to comment or did not respond to the enquiry. This reticent group included heavyweight names such as KPMG, Jaguar Land Rover, McLaren, and Standard Chartered, suggesting a cautious or deliberately low-profile approach to the high-stakes diplomatic engagement.
The Few Who Spoke Out
The exceptions to this trend were asset manager Aberdeen, along with law firms Baker McKenzie and Freshfields. Aberdeen, whose chief executive Jason Windsor is participating in the mission, emphasised its long-standing commitment to Chinese markets, stating: "Aberdeen has been investing in Chinese markets for over 30 years, managing a number of highly successful China equity and bond strategies on behalf of our clients. We have experienced investment teams based on the ground in Shanghai and Hong Kong and we continue to see exciting opportunities for our business in China."
Georgia Dawson, senior partner at Freshfields, highlighted the value of such delegations, noting: "Along with other, similar business delegations, this delegation provides a valuable opportunity to contribute to discussions on issues that matter to our global client base."
Public Institutions Offer Vocal Support
In contrast to the corporate sector's reticence, public institutions involved in the trip were notably more forthcoming with their support. The Royal Shakespeare Company expressed pride in its cultural contributions, explaining: "The RSC is proud to share the best of British theatre with audiences around the world, strengthening the connections and joy that theatre brings across borders. The 2026 Matilda The Musical China tour showcases world-class British creativity and supports more than 100 jobs for UK nationals. Running from February to August, this acclaimed, multi-award-winning production will delight over a quarter of a million audience members across China."
Sporting Diplomacy Enthusiastically Embraced
Perhaps the most enthusiastic endorsement of Starmer's initiative came from the sporting world. Sally Locker, chief executive of Table Tennis England, described the opportunity as "both a great honour and a unique opportunity." She elaborated: "I look forward to making connections with the Chinese and Japanese table tennis communities, as well as political and business leaders, and sharing ideas about moving the sport forward. The centenary World Championships in London, alongside further major events hosted by England in the near future, provides us with a huge opportunity to create a lasting impact in both performance and participation table tennis, strengthen communities and promote active lifestyles."
This divergence in response highlights the complex dynamics at play in international trade missions, where corporate caution often contrasts with the more openly promotional stance of cultural and sporting institutions. The trip underscores the ongoing balancing act in UK-China relations, as businesses navigate geopolitical sensitivities while public bodies leverage soft power opportunities.
