DONALD Trump has warned Sir Keir Starmer it was “very dangerous” to cosy up to China.
The US President’s remarks risked plunging the PM’s trip to the country into even more controversy by suggesting he disapproved.
Sir Keir has already been accused by critics of getting too close to Beijing while they continue to spy and commit human rights violations.
He has defended his trip to see Xi Jinping – the first PM in eight years – to visit – as building trade ties to slash the cost of living in Britain.
But asked about the visit, Mr Trump said: “Well, it’s very dangerous for them to do that, and it’s even more dangerous, I think, for Canada to get into business with China.”
The MAGA chief did describe President Xi as “a friend of mine” and is himself due to visit China in April.
He has a strained relationship with Beijing after starting a trade war in the early months of his second administration.
Mr Trump recently threatened to impose mega tariffs on Canada after its PM Mark Carney went to see Xi.
Downing Street brushed off the President’s remarks and said he had been made aware of Sir Keir’s trip.
The PM’s own friendship with Mr Trump has been tested lately amid the furious row over Greenland.
Mr Trump also said Britain’s giveaway of the Chagos Islands was the “greatest act of stupidity”.
Sir Keir also slammed him for his “appalling suggestion” that British troops had not been on the frontline in Afghanistan.
But despite their rift, the US President has said the transatlantic special relationship is important to him.
The Prime Minister hailed landmark talks with the Beijing leader as the start of a new “sophisticated” relationship between the two countries yesterday.
Downing Street insisted the meeting was constructive and progress had been made on lifting China’s sanctions on British MPs.
No 10 last night paved the way for President Xi to come to the UK next time.
