UK Prime Minister Starmer, facing sharp questions from reporters: "Did visiting China anger Trump?", Starmer joked: "Someone always makes me choose, previously regarding the UK-US trade agreement I had to choose between the US and EU, now for visiting China I have to choose between China and the US—can't adults have both? Just because I have a good conversation with my neighbor doesn't mean I should cut off contact with my family."

He then talked about the pressure the US puts on its allies, self-deprecatingly yet sharply: "457 British soldiers sacrificed for the Afghanistan war didn’t earn a word of recognition, yet I’m criticized for visiting China? Compared to choosing sides, being pragmatic, making money, and benefiting the people is not neglecting my duty."

His eloquence is more adept than Johnson's, humor filled with down-to-earth truth, no pretense! He didn’t offend the US while firmly supporting the visit to China; this 'balancing act' was played out with humor.