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Trump Addresses UK-China Relations as Driverless Taxis Prepare for UK Launch
Donald Trump stated it was "very dangerous" for the United Kingdom to conduct business with China, coinciding with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's visit to Shanghai. Trump's remarks came after agreements aimed at increasing business and investment between the UK and China were announced following Starmer's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to BBC Business. Speaking at a documentary premiere, Trump referred to Xi as a "friend," stating he knew the Chinese president "very well."
Starmer's visit to China signals a potential thaw in the diplomatic relationship between the two countries, which some have described as an "ice age," according to BBC Business. Both leaders are facing economic pressures and are seeking new opportunities for trade and investment. Starmer's trip, the first by a UK prime minister since Theresa May in 2018, aimed to highlight the strength of British firms in finance, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, clean energy, and car making. President Xi Jinping aimed to demonstrate China's reliability as a partner for Western economies.
In other news, Waymo, the US driverless car firm owned by Google-parent Alphabet, hopes to launch a robotaxi service in London as early as September, according to BBC Technology. A pilot service is slated to launch in April. Local Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood stated the government is "supporting Waymo and other operators through our passenger pilots, and pro-innovation regulations to make self-driving cars a reality on British roads." The UK government plans to change regulations in the second half of 2026 to enable driverless taxis to operate in the city, though a specific date has not been given.
Meanwhile, former President Trump ordered the immediate reopening of commercial airspace over Venezuela, weeks after US military forces toppled Nicolás Maduro, according to The Guardian. Speaking at the White House, Trump said he had just concluded a telephone conversation with Venezuela's acting president. The order allows direct flights from the US to Venezuela, as major oil companies are already on the ground to assess potential operations.
In domestic news, millions of low-income households will continue to receive £150 off their winter energy bills for another five years, according to BBC Business. The government confirmed the Warm Home Discount would remain until the winter of 2030-31. The scheme, in place since 2011, was widened last year to include a further 2.7 million families. Ministers said extending the scheme would help with the ongoing high cost of living, largely fueled by increased energy costs. While charities welcomed the continuation, some said £150 was insufficient to help struggling households.
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