Jason Ferguson Among Delegation As Prime Minister Visits China
World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association Chairman Jason Ferguson is among the representatives from British business, sport and culture joining Prime Minister Keir Starmer on a three day visit to China this week.
WPBSA, World Snooker Tour and the China Billiards Sports Association have worked together over the past 20 years to make snooker one of the most popular sports in China. This season there are six WST events in China, while the sport is thriving across the country at grassroots level. Last year Zhao Xintong became the first Chinese player to win snooker’s World Championship, and he is one of five Chinese players ranked among the world’s top 16. On the World Women’s Snooker Tour, China’s Bai Yulu is the world number one and reigning World Champion.
A press release from the Department for Business and Trade announced:
Working people and UK businesses will benefit from a more strategic and consistent UK relationship with China, the Prime Minister will pledge as he arrives in Beijing today.
Alongside a delegation of nearly 60 representatives from British business, sport and culture, he will promise stability and clarity in the government’s approach – making up for years of inconsistency under previous governments.
Since taking office, the government has re-engaged with China – recognising that it is one of the world’s most consequential powers and its monumental growth has a significant impact on the lives of the British people.
It is the world’s second largest economy, a crucial player in global supply chains, and a growing military power. It is the UK’s third largest trading partner and supports 370,000 British jobs.
In a time of growing global instability, where events abroad continue to rebound on people at home, the Prime Minister has promised to act in the UK’s national interest.
Instead, he will pledge to remain clear-eyed and realistic when it comes to both the opportunities and challenges they pose – continuing to pursue co-operation in our interest while maintaining guardrails when it comes to our national security.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
“For years, our approach to China has been dogged by inconsistency – blowing hot and cold, from Golden Age to Ice Age. But like it or not, China matters for the UK.
“As one of the world’s biggest economic players, a strategic and consistent relationship with them is firmly in our national interest. That does not mean turning a blind eye to the challenges they pose – but engaging even where we disagree.
“This is what our allies do, and what I will do: delivering for the public, putting more money in their pockets and keeping them safe through pragmatic, consistent co-operation abroad.”
Alongside a delegation of leading UK businesses and cultural organisations such as HSBC, GSK, Jaguar Land Rover and the National Theatre, the Prime Minister will push for access in areas where better co-operation with China would boost growth and deliver prosperity for the British people. That includes the UK’s world-leading financial services sector, creative industries and life sciences expertise.
However, he will be clear that we will not trade economic co-operation for our national security. He will raise the areas where we disagree with China – being clear that we will always defend our national security and where viewpoints differ, frank and open dialogue is of vital importance.
The Prime Minister will meet President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang in Beijing on Thursday for talks on trade, investment and national security, before travelling to Shanghai for a range of engagements with British and Chinese businesses.
Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle and Economic Secretary to the Treasury Lucy Rigby will join the Prime Minister on the visit.
It follows the successful 2025 Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD) that secured £600 million in immediate benefits and the first UK-China Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETCO) since 2018.
Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said:
“For a decade, there has been a lack of serious engagement needed to capitalise on the opportunity of a better relationship with China.
“We want to see trade flourish between us. From financial services to advanced manufacturing and the global energy transition, the UK’s strengths increasingly align with the rapidly evolving Chinese economy.
“The first duty of government is security, and we protect ourselves best through active engagement and pragmatic cooperation, not by shutting the door.”
Economic Secretary to the Treasury Lucy Rigby KC MP said:
“The UK’s world-leading financial services sector is a cornerstone of our economy. With deep and liquid markets, and the FTSE hitting all-time highs, there are real opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation with China which supports jobs for working people and growth for businesses across Britain.”
