By The South Asia Times

TOKYO - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is scheduled to visit Japan on Saturday, following a high-profile trip to China, the Japanese Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

During his visit, Starmer will meet with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for official talks, followed by a working dinner aimed at deepening diplomatic and economic engagement between the two nations. “This visit of Prime Minister Starmer is expected to further strengthen the Japan‑UK relations,” the ministry said.

Economic cooperation remains a cornerstone of the partnership. Total bilateral trade between Japan and the United Kingdom reached £33.2 billion (approximately $42.2 billion) in the year ending the second quarter of 2025, highlighting the enduring strength of commerce between the two nations, according to the UK Department for Business and Trade.

Both Japan and the United Kingdom, constitutional monarchies with long-standing ties, established diplomatic relations in 1858. Over the years, trade, investment, and cultural exchanges have grown, forming a solid foundation for strategic collaboration.

Starmer’s visit to Japan follows his stop in Shanghai, China, earlier on Friday, where he met Chinese President Xi Jinping to explore new business opportunities for British companies. The consecutive visits underscore the UK’s strategy to engage with Asia’s major economies while reinforcing long-term partnerships across the region.

Starmer emphasized the importance of international engagement, saying in Shanghai, “Growth at home is directly linked to our engagement with the world’s biggest powers. As Prime Minister, I will always deliver in the interest of the British people.”

The Japan trip is expected to focus on enhancing trade, investment, and cooperation in science, technology, and climate initiatives, signaling the UK’s intent to solidify its presence in the Indo-Pacific amid a shifting global economic landscape.

• China, UK signs agreements

Meanwhile, China’s Ministry of Commerce and UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Peter Kyle, signed four major trade agreements  to boost China-UK economic ties, covering goods trade, services trade, and trade cooperation mechanisms, according to state-run Global Times.

The UK became the first country to join China’s “Export to China” initiative, aiming to promote high-quality UK goods and services in the Chinese market. Both nations also agreed to launch a joint feasibility study for a China-UK services trade agreement and establish a bilateral services partnership, focusing on sectors like finance, healthcare, and creative industries.

Additionally, a memorandum was signed to strengthen the China-UK Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETCO), enhancing policy dialogue, government-business interactions, and trade facilitation.

These agreements signal both countries’ commitment to supporting free trade and deepening economic cooperation amid a turbulent global environment.