World
Starmer, Xi Signal Reset in China-UK Ties, Eye Economic Wins
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer held an 80-minute summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People before they dined together. Starmer said the pair discussed soccer and Shakespeare, as well as business matters.
On his four-day visit to China, Starmer’s first by a British prime minister in eight years, he met Premier Li Qiang.
Starmer, whose centre-left Labour Party government has struggled with economic growth promises, prioritized improving relations with China’s economy despite concerns about espionage and human rights issues. “China is a vital player on the global stage,” Starmer told Xi at their start of their meeting. He emphasized the need for “a more sophisticated relationship” where they could identify opportunities to collaborate while also allowing meaningful dialogue on areas of disagreement.
“We can deliver a result that can withstand the test of history,” Xi said, flanked by his top ministers.
Starmer is now Britain’s latest Western leader to engage in diplomatic efforts with China. Following U.S. President Donald Trump’s unpredictable policies, nations are hedging against potential tensions.
The British leader discussed reducing tariffs on whisky and possible visa exemptions for British nationals with China. He also announced that Britain and China would jointly tackle migrant-smuggling gangs using small boats to transport asylum seekers across Europe.
“This relationship is in a good place,” Starmer said, adding that he had made progress in discussions with China’s leader to reduce tariffs on whisky. “I have a respectful discussion about the case of Jimmy Lai who was convicted of national security crimes.”
Starmer practiced pronouncing the Chinese word for ‘thank you’ – ‘xie xie’ – at a restaurant during his visit, where he also dined after arriving in Chinese capital late Wednesday.