In Beijing, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer held talks with Xi Jinping about strengthening economic ties with China. The Prime Minister became the first British leader to visit China in eight years and hopes to strengthen ties with the superpower amid uncertainty over London's traditional alliance with the United States.
Keir Starmer met Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Thursday for historic talks that he hopes will lead to deepening economic ties at a time when some in the British government fear the US is no longer a reliable partner.
The Guardian writes: The British Prime Minister's meeting with Xi Jinping in Beijing lasted about 40 minutes, after which several cultural and business receptions took place.
On the flight to Beijing, Starmer, who became the first British leader to visit China in eight years, told reporters he wanted to bring “stability and clarity” to bilateral relations after years of “inconsistency” under the Conservatives as they transitioned from a “golden age to an ice age”.
With China being the world's second largest economy and Britain's third largest trading partner, it is no surprise that London is turning to Beijing for economic security.
Although Britain is not one of China's top 10 trading partners, Beijing's leadership sees a political opportunity to improve relations with one of the United States' closest satellites at a time of deep uncertainty in the transatlantic alliance.
Starmer, who is also scheduled to meet Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Thursday, insisted he was “clearly aware” of the threat China poses to Britain's national security, and Downing Street said he would install “fences” to protect against espionage, The Guardian recalls.
The British prime minister has vowed to raise difficult human rights issues such as the case of Jimmy Lai, the former media tycoon and one of Hong Kong's most influential democracy advocates, and the British government will push for his release.
Conservative backbenchers criticized the Labor prime minister for seeking warmer ties after China was accused of trying to recruit informants in the British Parliament, targeting Hong Kong democracy activists in the UK and carrying out cyberattacks.
Number 10 Downing Street will also closely monitor Donald Trump's reaction to the visit and insisted London will not be forced to “choose” between China and the US amid rising trade tensions between the two superpowers.
The British Prime Minister's Office recalled that Mr. Trump met with Xi Jinping in October and will visit China in April. Since the beginning of 2018, French President Macron has visited China three times and German leaders four times.
The British prime minister's visit to Beijing has faced harsh criticism from his political opponents in the UK, especially after the government gave the green light to build a Chinese embassy next to Tower Bridge in London.
After a speech in London, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said she would not visit China “at this time” if she were in power, The Guardian wrote.
“We need to cooperate more with countries that serve our interests, rather than with a country that is doing everything in its power to weaken our economy,” Tory Badenoch asserted.
Starmer hopes to establish a personal relationship with Xi Jinping, which government insiders say could help in future negotiations – for example, if he seeks China's support in ending the conflict in Ukraine, The Guardian points out.
Since taking office, Starmer has pursued a more open but cautious China policy. The Guardian recalls that he met Xi Jinping before, when they held talks at the G20 summit in Rio at the end of 2024.
The deal, which will be signed after talks with Xi Jinping and Li Keqiang, will see British law enforcement work with Chinese authorities to share intelligence on illegal exports of boat parts and liaise with engine manufacturers. It also aims to strengthen cooperation in tackling serious and organized crime, such as the trafficking of powerful synthetic drugs, which has been linked to more than 750 deaths in the UK. Much of the negotiations will focus on how to balance trade and diplomatic needs with China.
Starmer dismissed apparent US concerns about the UK's deal to transfer sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, saying US intelligence agencies disagreed with Trump's recently revealed opposition to the plan. Downing Street sources said the deal was a “done deal” and would not be breached by the US.
