Sir Keir Starmer has held talks with the Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, becoming the first UK prime minister to visit China in eight years. The meeting, which took place at the Great Hall of the People, lasted around 40 minutes and was followed by cultural and business receptions. The prime minister said he wanted to bring “stability and clarity” to bilateral relations after what he described as years of “inconsistency” under the previous Conservative government.
The visit is focused on strengthening economic ties. China is the world’s second-largest economy and the UK’s third-largest trading partner, with British exports of goods and services worth £45bn a year. Although the UK does not rank among China’s top ten trading partners, Beijing is seen as keen to improve links with one of America’s closest allies amid uncertainty over the transatlantic alliance.
Downing Street said the prime minister remained “clear-eyed” about the security threat posed by China, with “guardrails” in place to protect against espionage. Sir Keir also said he would raise human rights concerns, including the case of Jimmy Lai, the Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon whose release the UK government has sought. The visit has drawn criticism from Conservative politicians, including leader Kemi Badenoch, who said she would not go to China “at this time” given Beijing’s efforts to “undermine our economy”.
The UK government has insisted it will not be forced to “choose between” China and the United States, and is closely watching Donald Trump’s reaction. French President Emmanuel Macron has visited China three times since 2018, while German leaders have made four visits. Sir Keir is expected to hold further talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, and is hoping to develop a personal bond with Xi, which could help in future negotiations, including on Ukraine. He gave the president a football from the recent Manchester United match against Arsenal, as Xi is a United fan.
Among the agreements expected to be signed is a deal to tackle the supply of boat parts used by migrants crossing the English Channel. Around 60% of engines used in small boats last year were manufactured in China. UK law enforcement agencies would share intelligence with Chinese authorities on the illicit export of such parts and engage with manufacturers. The agreement also aims to deepen cooperation on serious organised crime, including the trafficking of synthetic opioids linked to more than 750 deaths in the UK.
