Xi Jinping acknowledged that bilateral relations “have gone through ups and downs” in recent years, which “did not serve the interests of both countries”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer argued this Thursday that London and Beijing “need a strategic, consistent and long-term partnership”, on his first official visit to China, which aims to renew bilateral relations and strengthen economic ties.
In the first trip by a British head of government to the Asian country in eight years, Starmer defended the construction of a “consistent, strategic and comprehensive” relationship with Beijing.
“China is a vital player on a global scale. The UK and China need a long-term partnership,” Starmer told Chinese President Xi Jinping, highlighting the importance of working together in areas such as global stability, economic growth and climate change.
Xi Jinping acknowledged that bilateral relations “have gone through ups and downs” in recent years, which “did not serve the interests of both countries”.
Before the meeting with Xi, Starmer was received by the president of the Chinese National People’s Congress, Zhao Leji, at the Great Hall of the People. The British leader classified the visit as “historic” and said he expected “productive days” of dialogue on global security and economic cooperation.
The visit also includes a meeting with Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang, with whom he is expected to preside over the signing of several bilateral agreements focusing on areas such as clean energy, health, creative industries and smart manufacturing, according to China’s Ministry of Commerce.
China is currently the United Kingdom’s third largest trading partner, with a favorable balance of 42 billion pounds (48.5 billion euros) for Beijing, according to data from the British Department of Commerce.
Starmer arrived in China accompanied by members of his cabinet and a delegation of around 60 businesspeople and cultural representatives, including executives from HSBC, the pharmaceutical company GSK and the car manufacturers Jaguar and Land Rover.
The stated aim of the visit is to strengthen economic ties and attract foreign investment at a time when the British economy is struggling. Downing Street sources also indicated that London is seeking to discuss with the Chinese authorities the renovation of its embassy facilities in Beijing and issues such as illegal immigration.
Starmer’s visit is part of a new cycle of diplomatic contacts with Beijing by Western allies. This month alone, the Chinese capital hosted the leaders of South Korea, Canada and Finland, and the German Chancellor is expected to visit China in February.
This rapprochement coincides with the cooling of relations between several capitals and Washington, after Donald Trump came to power.
