‘Very low bar’: analysts say Starmer faces slim pickings in China

Experts say business with China is always a double-edged sword let alone when its overheated economy can offer only marginal gains

• Starmer vows to remain clear-eyed' over national security as he flies to China

Keir Starmer's trip to China is billed as an attempt to revitalise diplomatic relations but eight years after Theresa May paved the way for a never-materialised ambitious" post-Brexit deal, the prospect of the prime minister landing any meaningful trade deal is slim, experts have warned.

The visit to Beijing, involving a delegation of British companies led by Starmer, the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, and the business secretary, Peter Kyle, is the first since May's 2018 visit, and will revolve around joint trade and investment efforts.