In this episode of the Silk and Steel Podcast, host Carl Tsar reunites with old friend and longtime China resident, Jerry, to discuss UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's recent visit to China. They delve into whether this trip signals a genuine shift in UK foreign policy, the geopolitical tensions with the US under Trump's influence, and the domestic political turmoil Starmer faces back home. Jerry shares his on-the-ground perspective as a Brit living in China, offering insights into the "golden age" of UK-China relations, the reality of life in Xinjiang, and the Western media's portrayal of China. The conversation also touches on the Epstein files, the IPAC's anti-China funding, and the growing multipolar world order.
00:00 – Intro: Welcome back, Jerry!
02:00 – Starmer's China visit: A shift in UK foreign policy or a shift away from the US?
05:00 – The UK's domestic struggles: Brexit, Reform Party, and loss of global momentum
09:00 – Why is Starmer popular in China but unpopular at home?
11:00 – Hostility in UK media: Who is funding the anti-China rhetoric? (IPAC, NED)
15:00 – Debunking myths: Jerry on Uyghurs, religious freedom, and the reality of Xinjiang
20:00 – Hong Kong, the Joint Declaration, and Western misconceptions
25:00 – The Epstein files: Mandelson, Prince Andrew, and the "Chinese connection" distraction
32:00 – Positive outcomes of Starmer's visit: Visa-free travel, whiskey tariffs, AstraZeneca investment
38:00 – Trump's upcoming visit to China and Western hypocrisy
45:00 – The "golden age" of UK-China relations (2015) and how the media poisoned the well
50:00 – Jerry's future projects: Cycling across China and writing a book on Xinjiang
55:00 – Final thoughts and how to follow Jerry
