British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called China a security threat this week, but analysts said the statement was motivated by domestic politics and did not negate London’s goal of deepening economic ties with Beijing.Meanwhile, disputes around a new Chinese embassy will continue to test this desire for stronger relations as the British leader plans a state visit.

Starmer said on Monday that his government would focus on the relationship with China, which would help protect national interests, while recognising the “reality” that China posed “real national security threats” to the United Kingdom.

“Protecting our security is non-negotiable. Our first duty,” Starmer said at a banquet traditionally used to set out foreign policy for the year ahead.

“But by taking tough steps to keep us secure, we enable ourselves to cooperate in other areas.”

The prime minister’s statement was the latest in a series of assertions about China being a security threat. These statements have received strong pushback from Beijing, which urged London to adopt a more constructive and accurate view of bilateral relations.

On Tuesday, Britain delayed for a third time its decision on China’s contentious plan to build a massive new embassy in London. Critics fear the project, which would be the largest embassy in Europe, could serve as a base for espionage.