Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to engage in a pivotal meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday, marking a significant moment in his diplomatic visit to Beijing. This encounter represents the second formal discussion between the two leaders and underscores months of meticulous preparation aimed at resetting and strengthening bilateral relations between the United Kingdom and China.
High-Stakes Diplomacy in Beijing
The meeting with President Xi Jinping initiates a day of crucial engagements for Sir Keir Starmer, who is also scheduled to confer with Chinese Premier Li Qiang. During these talks, a series of new agreements between the UK and China are anticipated to be signed, reflecting a concerted effort to foster practical cooperation.
Sir Keir has maintained a measured stance regarding the specific topics to be addressed, particularly under domestic pressure to highlight human rights concerns. These include the detention of Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai and the treatment of the Uighur minority. When questioned aboard his flight to Beijing, the Prime Minister affirmed his commitment to raising necessary issues during foreign trips but refrained from divulging precise details, emphasising a strategic approach to the discussions.
Joint Law Enforcement Agreement
A cornerstone of the expected agreements is a landmark deal facilitating joint UK-Chinese law enforcement operations. This initiative is designed to combat gangs involved in smuggling people across the English Channel by targeting the supply chain of small boat engines.
Investigations have revealed that approximately 60% of the engines powering these small boats are manufactured in China, with many of the vessels also incorporating Chinese-made parts. The agreement will encompass intelligence sharing on smugglers' supply routes and direct engagement with Chinese manufacturers to discourage them from supplying criminal networks.
Additionally, the pact will see both nations commit to enhancing the removal of individuals without legal right to remain in the UK and intensifying efforts to crack down on Chinese gangs producing synthetic opioids. Ministers are hopeful that this comprehensive approach will significantly reduce the number of Channel crossings, a key pledge by the Labour Party ahead of the next election.
Channel Crossings Context
Despite ongoing efforts, Channel crossings have persisted, with 933 individuals recorded making the journey so far this year. This brings the total since Sir Keir Starmer assumed office to 65,647, highlighting the urgency of effective measures.
Ahead of the meetings, Sir Keir stated: "This deal will help us cut off the supply of boats at source – stopping crossings before lives are put at risk and restoring control to our borders. This is Britain back at the top table, delivering real results for the British people through our international relationships."
Focus on Practical Benefits
Delivering tangible outcomes for the British public has been a central theme of Sir Keir's visit to China. To underscore this focus, he travelled with a delegation of 54 representatives from British businesses and cultural institutions, aiming to deepen ties and explore opportunities for collaboration.
Addressing the trade delegation on Wednesday, Sir Keir remarked that they were "making history" as the Government seeks to build a more consistent and productive relationship with China. He added: "Everything that you’re doing here, that I’m doing here, is focused on how do we benefit people at home in the United Kingdom where, whatever’s going on in the world, I’m afraid, their number one concern will be the cost of living."
The Prime Minister regards Thursday's meetings with Chinese leadership as critical for Britain's strategic interests, balancing diplomatic engagement with domestic priorities to address pressing issues such as border security and economic stability.
