Sir Keir Starmer says the UK-China relationship is in a “good, strong place” after what he describes as productive talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to Beijing. The prime minister says the discussions mark a step towards a more stable and pragmatic relationship following years of strained diplomatic ties.
According to Downing Street, progress has been made on a number of economic and travel issues, including whisky tariffs and potential expansions of visa-free travel for UK nationals visiting China. Starmer says these developments reflect a shared willingness to find common ground while managing differences.
Speaking after the meeting, the prime minister reiterates his belief that the UK and China must build a “more sophisticated relationship”, one that balances economic cooperation with national security and human rights concerns. President Xi acknowledges there have been “twists and turns” in bilateral ties but says continued engagement between the two countries is unavoidable.
Human rights issues are also raised directly. Starmer confirms he discussed the case of Hong Kong media owner Jimmy Lai and the treatment of Uyghurs in China’s Xinjiang region, saying engagement allows for honest and respectful conversations on areas of disagreement.
Security cooperation forms another key focus of the visit. UK and Chinese officials are expected to sign off on a border security pact aimed at disrupting the supply of small boat engines used in Channel crossings. The government says around 60% of engines used in small boats last year were manufactured in China, and ministers hope intelligence-sharing can help tackle the illicit trade.
Following talks with Xi, Starmer tours Beijing’s Forbidden City before witnessing the signing of further agreements with Chinese Premier Li Qiang. While officials caution that a full reset in UK-China relations remains unlikely, the visit is widely viewed as the beginning of a gradual diplomatic thaw, focused on practical cooperation, managed competition and renewed dialogue.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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