The announcement came after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met President Xi Jinping in Beijing, as he became the first British leader to visit the country in eight years. The government is seeking closer trade ties with Beijing to help boost economic growth. However, critics have argued the UK should have a more cautious relationship with China because of the risk to national security and the country's human rights record.

There is no date for when the visa agreement will be in force but the government is hoping this will happen as soon as possible. Hundreds of thousands of Britsh people could potentially benefit from the change, with around 620,000 travelling to China in 2024 according to the Office for National Statistics. Downing Street said it would bring the UK into line with 50 other countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Australia and Japan. Sir Keir said the move would make it easier for businesses to expand in China, while people would also be able to go on holiday there without a visa. "As one of the world's economic powerhouses, businesses have been crying out for ways to grow their footprints in China," he said. "We'll make it easier for them to do so – including via relaxed visa rules for short-term travel – supporting them to expand abroad, all while boosting growth and jobs at home."

Downing Street said the UK and China had also agreed to explore whether to enter negotiations on a services agreement, which would establish clear and legally binding rules for UK firms doing business in China. The UK is the world's second largest exporter of services – including in finance, healthcare and legal services - and No 10 said demand from China in the area was growing. (BBC)