Xi Jinping Meets UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Beijing
Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Beijing on Thursday, marking a rare high-level meeting between the two countries, according to reports.
Starmer arrived in the Chinese capital a day earlier and said the purpose of the visit was to open up new opportunities that would deliver benefits for the United Kingdom. The trip is the first by a UK prime minister to China since 2018 and takes place against a backdrop of global trade frictions, including tensions linked to US tariffs, as well as broader strains among Western allies over issues such as Washington’s ambitions in Greenland.
The British leader is traveling with a delegation of roughly 60 figures drawn from business, academic, and cultural circles, underscoring the visit’s broad economic and societal focus.
At the start of the meeting, Xi reflected on the uneven trajectory of bilateral ties, saying relations between China and the UK had experienced “twists and turns” that were not in the interest of either side. He said Beijing was prepared to work toward a long-term strategic partnership.
Describing the global environment as “turbulent and fluid,” Xi stressed that closer communication between London and Beijing was essential, whether “for the sake of world peace and stability or for our two countries’ economies and peoples." He added that stronger cooperation was needed to navigate growing geopolitical challenges.
Starmer, for his part, emphasized China’s importance on the international stage, saying “China is a vital player on the global stage, and it is vital that we build a more sophisticated relationship."
He also pointed to the broader international context, noting, “The current international situation is complex and intertwined. As permanent members of the UN Security Council and major global economies, China and the UK need to strengthen dialogue and cooperation.”
Reiterating London’s approach, Starmer said the UK is seeking a “more sophisticated relationship” with Beijing.
Highlighting the significance of the trip, he added, “This is a historic visit, the first by a British prime minister in eight years. We have made this trip because I believe it is strongly in our common interest to find positive ways to work together, and that has been our longstanding position.”
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