US President Donald Trump’s trade adviser has launched a scathing attack on Britain’s relationship with China, warning that the UK risks becoming a “compliant servant of communist China” and having its “blood sucked” by Beijing.
Peter Navarro, the President’s tariffs tsar, urged the UK Government to reject “string-laden gifts” from China and avoid turning into a “dumping ground” for goods redirected from the US market.
In remarks likely to heighten tensions ahead of future UK-US trade talks, Navarro said: “If the Chinese vampire can’t suck the American blood, it’s going to suck the UK blood and the EU blood.
“This is a very dangerous time for the world economies with respect to exposure to China.”
Peter Navarro, the president’s tariffs tsar, urged the UK Government to reject “string-laden gifts” from China
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Navarro, echoing concerns widely held in the Trump administration, voiced deep mistrust over Chinese involvement in UK real estate, infrastructure, and financial markets.
He continued to tell The Telegraph: “And let’s face it, the UK has been an all too compliant servant of the Chinese Communist Party because of the string-laden gifts that China gives as a way of spreading its soft power.”
Rachel Reeves and David Lammy have each undertaken prominent visits to China in recent months as part of the Labour Government’s strategy of what it describes as “pragmatic re-engagement” with Beijing.
The Chancellor and Foreign Secretary have emphasised the importance of maintaining a stable and balanced relationship with China- a partnership they argue could deliver a £1billion boost to the UK economy over the next five years.
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However, concerns are growing that the Government may prioritise reaching a deal with the European Union- potentially during a summit scheduled for May 19- which some fear could complicate efforts to secure a trade agreement with the United States.
Despite this, Peter Navarro expressed optimism about UK-US negotiations, saying: “We are moving in Trump time, which is to say as swiftly as possible.”
Navarro played a central role in implementing the Trump administration’s aggressive tariff regime, aimed at correcting trade imbalances, countering Chinese economic dominance, and repatriating manufacturing jobs to the US.
American imports of Chinese goods have already seen a sharp decline following the imposition of tariffs reaching up to 145 per cent on certain products- a move that has forced Beijing to seek alternative markets.
“As the US tries to get fairness from the biggest cheater, China, the UK and the EU have to be very vigilant about becoming dumping grounds for the products that China would otherwise sell to America,” Navarro told The Telegraph.
Like many figures in the Trump administration, Navarro believes the UK is especially vulnerable to Chinese influence.
Chinese retail giant Shein is reportedly targeting London for its contentious IPO, while Chancellor Rachel Reeves recently described the city as the “natural home” for Chinese capital.
“Beware of authoritarian mercantilist regimes bearing gifts,” Navarro warned.
American imports of Chinese goods have already seen a sharp decline following the imposition of tariffs
GETTY
As one of the most influential voices in Trump’s economic team, Navarro played a central role in shaping what the White House called “Liberation Day” on April 2 - the moment the administration imposed a blanket 10 per cent tariff on all trading partners, alongside steeper levies on many more countries.
The move was aimed at shrinking the US trade deficit and encouraging firms to bring manufacturing back to American soil.
However, amid market volatility and pressure on the dollar, Trump soon introduced a 90-day pause to give other nations time to strike individual trade agreements.
According to officials, priority will be given to Asian allies such as India, South Korea, and Japan- countries seen as key to economically isolating China.
The UK is not far behind in line. With its trade relationship with the US already close to balanced, a deal appears more achievable.
Vice President JD Vance has also highlighted the strong cultural and social ties between the two nations, which he says could help pave the way for an agreement.
Still, key sticking points remain. Navarro has outlined several barriers that would need to be addressed, including currency manipulation, export subsidies, and what he describes as “discriminatory” product standards.
For Sir Keir Starmer’s Government, one of the most politically sensitive issues may be food imports.
For Sir Keir Starmer’s Government, one of the most politically sensitive issues may be food imports
PABritain currently bans hormone-treated beef and chlorine-washed chicken, effectively blocking many US agricultural products from entering the market.
Navarro declined to comment directly on the US-UK trade talks but was clear about the consequences if London holds firm on such restrictions.
“That’s a British political issue. It’s not for us to resolve that kind of issue,” he said.
“It’s just that it comes with a cost. If the UK, or any entity around the world, wants to impose significantly higher tariff and non-tariff barriers to protect different sectors of their economy, the United States will no longer tolerate that.”
A long-time China hawk, the 75-year-old economist has been warning US policymakers about Beijing’s economic tactics for over two decades, and was one of the few senior figures to serve throughout Trump’s entire first term.
Since then, Navarro has solidified his reputation as one of Trump’s most unwavering allies.
In 2023, he served a four-month jail sentence for defying a congressional subpoena related to the January 6 Capitol riot investigation.
Asked how he managed to remain at the heart of Trump’s inner circle, he attributed it to a straightforward mantra: “A singular focus on helping President Trump fulfil his vision. Never take the credit. Be willing to take the blame.”
Musk, who has referred to himself as Trump’s 'first buddy,' called Navarro 'truly a moron' and likened him to 'a sack of bricks'
GETTYIn his current role, Navarro hasn’t shied away from testing the boundaries of his influence, most notably by criticising Elon Musk, accusing Tesla of being too dependent on China for its operations.
Musk, who has referred to himself as Trump’s “first buddy,” hit back, calling Navarro “truly a moron” and likening him to “a sack of bricks”.
When asked to respond to Navarro’s comments, a UK Government spokesman told The Telegraph: “This Government will always take a clear-eyed and strategic approach to managing the UK’s relations with China.”
“Our approach to international trade will remain to enhance the UK’s long-term prosperity, while never compromising on economic and national security.”
