Starmer meets with Xi Jinping in bid for ‘more sophisticated’ China ties
The Prime Minister met Mr Xi at the Great Hall of the People on the first morning of his trip to China.
Sir Keir Starmer has met Xi Jinping in Beijing, telling the president he wants a “more sophisticated” relationship with China.
The Prime Minister met Mr Xi accompanied by “top aides and top ministers” at the Great Hall of the People on the first morning of his trip to China.
The meeting, which lasted about an hour and 20 minutes, was the second between the two men and represents the culmination of months of preparation for Sir Keir’s visit as he seeks to reset relations between the two countries.
At the start of his meeting with Sir Keir, Mr Xi said: “China-UK relations went through some twists and turns that did not serve the interests of our countries.”
Describing the state of the world as “turbulent and fluid”, Mr Xi stressed dialogue between the UK and China was “imperative”, whether it was “for the sake of world peace and stability or for our two countries’ economies and peoples”.
Telling China’s president it had been “too long” since a British prime minister visited the country, Sir Keir said: “China is a vital player on the global stage and it is vital that we build a more sophisticated relationship.”
Stressing the economic benefits of an improved relationship, the PM said: “It is with the British people in mind that I am here today.
“I made the promise 18 months ago when we were elected into government that I would make Britain face outwards again.
“Because as we all know, events abroad affect everything that happens back in our home countries, from prices on the supermarket shelves to how secure we feel.”
The Prime Minister is understood to regard meetings with Chinese leadership as crucial for Britain, as he seeks to emphasise the practical benefits of engaging with Beijing.
To that end, he arrived alongside a delegation of 54 representatives of British businesses and cultural institutions looking to deepen ties with the country.
Speaking through an interpreter, Mr Xi said: “In the past, Labour governments made important contributions to the growth of China-UK relations.
“China stands ready to develop with the UK a long-term and consistent strategic partnership. It will benefit our two peoples.”
Mr Xi told Sir Keir the two men would “stand the test of history” if they could “rise above differences”.
“Your visit this time has drawn a lot of attention,” he said.
“Sometimes good things take time. As long as it is the right thing that serves the fundamental interests of the country and the people, then as leaders we should not shy away from difficulties and we should press ahead with fortitude.”
One agreement expected to be signed on Thursday will provide for joint UK-Chinese law enforcement operations aimed at preventing gangs smuggling people across the Channel by disrupting the supply of small boat engines.
Some 60% of the engines powering the small boats crossing the Channel have been found to be Chinese-manufactured, while the boats are often made using Chinese parts.
The deal is expected to cover intelligence sharing on smugglers’ supply routes and direct engagement with Chinese manufacturers to discourage them from supplying the gangs.
Before the meeting with China’s leader, Sir Keir was welcomed by National People’s Congress chairman Zhao Leji at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People.
Mr Zhao said it was “significant” to develop the UK-China relationship amid the “changing and turbulent international landscape”.
He also praised Sir Keir’s efforts to reach a rapprochement with China, saying relations were on “the correct track to improvement and development” and “positive progress has been made”.
