UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Seeks Reset in China Ties During Beijing Visit

Beijing, Thursday: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing and called for a “sophisticated relationship” between the two countries.

The meeting took place at the Great Hall of the People. It was the most important moment of Starmer’s four-day visit to China. This is the first visit by a British prime minister in eight years.

The two leaders also shared lunch after their talks.

Push to Improve Growth and Security

Starmer said China plays a major role on the global stage. He stressed the need for cooperation to support economic growth and international security.

He said Britain wants a relationship that allows cooperation where possible and honest dialogue where differences exist.

President Xi said relations between China and Britain had faced difficulties in recent years. He added that these problems did not benefit either side. Xi said China is ready to build a long-term strategic partnership with the UK.

Diplomatic Shift Amid Global Uncertainty

Starmer’s visit comes as several Western leaders increase engagement with China. Countries are adjusting their foreign policies due to uncertainty in the United States under President Donald Trump.

Trump’s repeated tariff threats and controversial foreign policy moves have unsettled traditional allies, including Britain.

Starmer’s trip followed a visit by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who recently signed an economic agreement with Beijing. That move reportedly angered Washington.

Business and Trade at the Center of Visit

More than 50 British business leaders are travelling with Starmer. This highlights the strong economic focus of the visit.

Experts expect several trade and investment agreements to be announced. Analysts say both sides want to show progress rather than focus on disputes.

Starmer said improving relations with China was part of his promise to make Britain more outward-looking.

He said global events directly affect daily life at home, from food prices to national security.

Cooperation on Illegal Migration

Downing Street said Britain and China will also cooperate to tackle gangs involved in human trafficking.

The plan includes action against the use of Chinese-made engines in small boats used to smuggle migrants across Europe.

Both countries will share intelligence and work with manufacturers to prevent criminal misuse of legal supply chains.

Human Rights Still on the Agenda

Starmer told reporters he would raise human rights concerns during his visit. This includes the case of Jimmy Lai, a British citizen and former Hong Kong media owner jailed on national security charges.

However, officials say the main focus of the trip remains economic cooperation.

A Symbolic Start to a New Chapter

On Wednesday, Starmer told business leaders that it was time for a “mature” relationship with China.

Later, he dined at a well-known Beijing restaurant and interacted with staff. A video shared on Chinese social media showed him learning how to pronounce “xie xie,” the Chinese word for thank you.