The head of the British armed forces has visited China for the first time in a decade.

Axar.az reports, citing BBC, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin discussed "issues of common concern" with China's military leaders in Beijing, its defence ministry said in a short statement.

"We agreed that in an unstable world we must play our part as responsible nations with global interests," Sir Tony wrote on X, "and we reflected on the importance of military-to-military communications".

The admiral's visit coincided with the escalation of an intense trade war between China and the US after President Trump's announcement of higher tariffs.

The last time a Chief of the Defence Staff visited China was in 2015. Since becoming prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer has sought to strengthen ties with the country.