Starmer Meets Xi in Beijing as UK Seeks to Repair China Ties

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met Xi Jinping in Beijing on January 29, marking the first visit by a British prime minister to China since 2018 and a renewed attempt to stabilise UK-China relations after years of tension.

The meeting, held at the Great Hall of the People, lasted about 40 minutes. Both leaders acknowledged the deterioration in ties and agreed on the need for more regular dialogue as global economic uncertainty and political pressures increase.

Starmer said Britain wanted a “serious and consistent” relationship with China, while Xi called for cooperation based on mutual respect and long-term interests.

• Starmer meets Xi in Beijing as UK seeks to repair strained China relations
• UK prime minister holds first China talks since 2018 amid trade push
• Starmer balances China trade engagement with human rights concerns

Starmer’s visit is centred on economic engagement. More than 50 UK business leaders are part of the delegation, with discussions focused on trade and investment, and market access for British firms. UK officials said closer engagement with China is necessary to support growth at home, even as strategic differences remain.

The two sides are also expected to discuss cooperation on law enforcement cooperation, including action against human trafficking networks and efforts to curb the export of Chinese-made boat engines used in illegal migrant crossings to Europe.

At the same time, Starmer raised concerns over human rights, including the detention of British citizen Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong. UK officials said the government would continue to raise such cases directly with Chinese leaders rather than stepping back from engagement.

The visit comes as several Western governments seek steadier ties with Beijing amid uncertainty in global markets and shifting US foreign policy. Critics in Britain, particularly from the opposition Conservatives, argue that closer engagement risks overlooking security and rights issues.

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Starmer is also scheduled to meet Chinese Premier Li Qiang, as London positions its China policy as pragmatic, commercially focused, and direct on areas of disagreement.