Beijing, Jan 29 (PTI): British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called for deeper cooperation and a “comprehensive strategic partnership” between their countries amid growing global uncertainty.
Though neither leader directly mentioned US President Donald Trump, the shifting global order and challenges to post-Cold War arrangements were implicit in their remarks.
Starmer said cooperation on issues such as climate change and global stability was essential in challenging times. “Working together on issues like climate change and global stability during challenging times for the world is precisely what we should be doing as we build this relationship,” he told Xi during their meeting.
The leaders met at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing as both countries seek to improve ties after several years of strained relations. UK-China relations had deteriorated over allegations of Chinese espionage in Britain, Beijing’s support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict, and concerns over the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong.
Starmer is the first British prime minister to visit China in eight years.
Xi said relations between the two countries had suffered setbacks in recent years, which were not in the interests of either side. “In the current complex and ever-changing international situation, China and the UK need to strengthen dialogue and cooperation to maintain world peace and stability,” he said.
Xi also appeared to acknowledge domestic criticism faced by Starmer over engaging China despite security and human rights concerns. The UK recently approved plans for a large new Chinese embassy in London, a move seen as easing a major irritant in bilateral ties but criticised by some over espionage concerns.
“Good things often come with difficulties,” Xi said, adding that leaders should not shy away from challenges if actions are in the fundamental interests of their countries and people.
Starmer, who took office in July 2024, has said Britain would protect its national security while continuing diplomatic engagement and economic cooperation with China. He said it had “been far too long” since a British prime minister visited China.
“I made a promise when we were elected into government that Britain would face outward again,” Starmer said, noting that global events affect domestic issues ranging from prices to security.
More than 50 senior British business executives accompanied Starmer on the visit, along with leaders from cultural organisations, as he seeks to expand trade and investment opportunities for UK firms in China.
The visit comes amid global trade disruptions, prompting many governments to strengthen economic partnerships. Earlier on Thursday, Vietnam and the European Union upgraded ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, days after the EU and India announced a free trade agreement.
Starmer is the fourth leader from a US-allied country to visit Beijing this month, following visits by leaders of South Korea, Canada and Finland. The German chancellor is expected to visit next month.
Earlier in the day, Starmer met Zhao Leji, chairman of China’s legislature, the National People’s Congress. Several bilateral agreements were expected to be signed later in the day, including one aimed at curbing the trade in Chinese-made boat engines used by smugglers to transport migrants across the English Channel.
Under the proposed agreement, UK law enforcement agencies will work with Chinese authorities and manufacturers to prevent such engines from reaching criminal gangs, the British government said. PTI