Beijing (TDI): British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has signalled a fresh chapter in relations with China, telling President Xi Jinping that London wants to build a “sophisticated relationship” focused on economic growth and global security after years of strained ties.
During talks at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People on Thursday, the most significant day of his four-day visit, Starmer said improved engagement with China was essential. The trip marks the first visit by a British prime minister to China in eight years. The two leaders later shared a working lunch.
Starmer, whose Labour government has struggled to deliver the economic growth it pledged, has made repairing relations with the world’s second-largest economy a priority, despite persistent concerns in Britain about Beijing’s policies.
“China is a vital global player,” Starmer said at the start of the meeting. “It’s important that we develop a more sophisticated relationship, one that allows us to work together where we can, while also having honest conversations where we differ.”
President Xi said relations between the two countries had experienced “twists and turns” that benefited neither side, adding that China was ready to pursue a stable, long-term strategic partnership with Britain.
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Starmer’s outreach comes amid renewed diplomatic engagement between China and Western nations, as governments seek to manage uncertainty stemming from the United States under President Donald Trump. Trump’s shifting trade tariff threats and controversial foreign policy moves have unsettled several US allies, including Britain.
The British leader’s visit follows closely after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s trip to Beijing, during which Canada signed an economic agreement aimed at easing trade barriers, a move that drew criticism from Washington.
Starmer arrived in China accompanied by a delegation of more than 50 British business leaders, underlining the economic focus of the trip. Relations had cooled under previous Conservative governments, which imposed tighter restrictions on Chinese investment.
“I promised when we came into government that Britain would face outward again,” Starmer told Xi. “What happens overseas affects everything at home, from prices in shops to our sense of security.”
Downing Street said Britain and China would announce joint efforts to tackle criminal gangs involved in human trafficking, including cooperation to curb the use of Chinese-made engines in small boats used to transport migrants across Europe. The initiative will involve intelligence sharing and collaboration with manufacturers to prevent organised crime from exploiting legitimate supply chains.
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Starmer said he would raise sensitive issues, including human rights, during his meetings. Asked about the case of British citizen and Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai, who was convicted on national security charges, he said concerns would be addressed directly.
Still, the packed business schedule reflects where priorities lie. Addressing executives shortly after arriving, Starmer said it was time for a “mature” relationship with China.
