First British prime ministerial visit in eight years
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said it was “vital” to build a more sophisticated relationship with China as he met President Xi Jinping in Beijing, marking the first visit by a British leader to the country in eight years. The four-day trip comes as the Labour government seeks to reset relations with the world’s second-largest economy amid growing global tensions.
Speaking at the Great Hall of the People, Starmer told Xi that China is a key global actor and that a long-term, consistent and comprehensive strategic partnership was in the UK’s national interest. Xi responded by saying China was willing to develop a stable and comprehensive partnership and called for new momentum in bilateral ties.
Economic growth and business access at the center
The visit is a core part of Starmer’s push to expand business opportunities for British companies and support economic growth at home. Nearly 60 business and cultural representatives are traveling with the prime minister, including executives from HSBC, GSK and Jaguar Land Rover. The delegation is also expected to visit Shanghai.
After his meeting with Xi, Starmer described the talks as constructive and said the two sides had made good progress on reducing Chinese tariffs on UK whisky and on visa-free travel for British citizens. He said the discussions reflected a broader opening of access for UK firms operating in China.
Global uncertainty and shifting alliances
Starmer’s visit follows similar trips to Beijing by leaders from Canada and France and comes as US foreign and trade policy under President Donald Trump has unsettled traditional alliances. Analysts say Beijing is eager to present itself as a supporter of free trade and multilateralism in contrast to Washington’s more unpredictable stance.
During the talks, Xi warned against unilateralism and protectionism and positioned China and the UK as partners in promoting a fairer global governance system. Starmer echoed the theme, stressing cooperation on climate change and global stability during a challenging period for the international system.
Security concerns and human rights raised
Starmer said the two leaders also discussed cooperation on irregular migration and security-related issues. He confirmed that he raised sensitive topics including the jailing of Hong Kong pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai and allegations of abuses against the Uyghur minority, describing the exchanges as respectful.
The visit comes shortly after the UK approved plans for China to build a large new embassy near London’s financial district, a decision that had faced delays due to national security concerns. Starmer has argued that strengthening economic ties with China does not require compromising security.
Balancing Beijing and Washington
The prime minister faces pressure to strike a careful balance as improved UK-China relations are likely to be closely watched by the White House. Trump has previously threatened steep tariffs on allies that deepen trade ties with Beijing.
The trip also takes place amid broader European unease over China’s record trade surplus and concerns that cheap Chinese imports are undermining domestic industries.