Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said he will not be forced to "choose between" relations with the US or China, ahead of the first visit of a British leader to Beijing in eight years.
Sir Keir said the UK would maintain "close ties" with the US on business, security and defence, but added that "sticking your head in the sand and ignoring China... wouldn't be sensible".
In the interview with Bloomberg News, he said the visit to the world's second-largest economy could bring "significant opportunities" for British companies. Dozens of UK business leaders are expected to travel with him.
The trip comes days after the UK approved controversial plans for a vast new Chinese embassy in London.
The long-delayed decision was made despite opponents warning it could be used as a base for Chinese spying.
