BEIJING: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday signalled a reset in relations with China, calling for a “sophisticated relationship” focused on economic growth and security during high-level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The meeting, held at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, marked the most important moment of Starmer’s four-day visit the first by a British prime minister to China in eight years. The two leaders later shared lunch, underscoring efforts to ease tensions after years of strained ties.
Starmer said China was a “vital player on the global stage” and stressed the need for engagement that balances cooperation with frank dialogue on areas of disagreement, including security and human rights.
Xi said relations between Britain and China had experienced “twists and turns” that did not serve either country’s interests, adding that Beijing was ready to develop a long-term strategic partnership with London.
The visit comes as Starmer’s centre-left Labour government faces pressure at home to deliver economic growth. Improving ties with the world’s second-largest economy has emerged as a priority, despite ongoing concerns in Britain over espionage, national security and human rights.
Starmer’s diplomacy with China reflects a broader trend among Western nations seeking to manage economic and political ties with Beijing amid uncertainty in US foreign policy under President Donald Trump. Recent US tariff threats and controversial statements on Greenland have unsettled traditional allies, including Britain.
The UK leader’s trip follows a visit by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who signed an economic agreement with China aimed at lowering trade barriers a move that reportedly drew criticism from Washington.
Kerry Brown, a professor of Chinese studies at King’s College London, said several UK-China agreements were expected to be announced to demonstrate improved relations. “Both sides want this to look like a success,” he said, noting that neither wanted talks dominated by disputes.
Relations between London and Beijing deteriorated under previous Conservative governments, which restricted Chinese investment over security concerns and criticised China’s actions in Hong Kong. Starmer said his government was adopting a new approach based on engagement.
“I made a promise when we were elected that Britain would face outwards again,” Starmer told Xi, adding that global events directly affect domestic issues, from living costs to national security.
Britain’s opposition Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticised the visit, saying she would not have travelled to China due to security risks. UK intelligence agencies have accused China of routine espionage, claims Beijing denies.
Downing Street said Starmer and Xi would announce joint measures to combat gangs involved in illegal migration, including cooperation to reduce the use of Chinese-made engines on small boats used by people smugglers. The initiative includes intelligence-sharing and engagement with Chinese manufacturers to prevent criminal misuse of legitimate supply chains.
Starmer said he would also raise human rights concerns with Xi, including the case of British citizen Jimmy Lai, a Hong Kong media tycoon convicted last year on national security charges.
Despite these issues, the economic focus of the visit was underscored by the presence of more than 50 business leaders accompanying Starmer. Addressing a business delegation, he said it was time for a “mature” relationship with China, signalling London’s intent to rebuild economic ties while managing political differences.
