British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has engaged in a landmark bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his official visit to Beijing, marking the first trip by a UK premier to China in eight years. The talks, held in the Great Hall of the People, focused on forging a more consistent and sophisticated relationship between the two nations, following years of diplomatic fluctuations.
Xi Jinping Calls for Rising Above Differences
In his opening remarks, President Xi acknowledged that the UK-China relationship has experienced "twists and turns" over recent years, which he stated have not served the interests of either country. He emphasised the need for a long-term and stable strategic partnership, urging both leaders to "rise above differences" and respect each other to withstand the test of history.
Xi quoted a Chinese proverb, "Range far your eye over long distances," to underscore the importance of taking a broad perspective in bilateral relations. He also praised previous Labour governments under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown for their constructive contributions to strengthening ties between China and the UK.
Starmer's Vision for a More Sophisticated Relationship
Prime Minister Starmer responded by expressing his desire to build a "more sophisticated" relationship with China, highlighting its role as a vital player on the global stage. He stressed that improving bilateral relations is essential for the British people, affecting everything from supermarket prices to national security.
Starmer noted that his visit aims to bring "stability and clarity" to UK-China relations, contrasting with what he described as years of "inconsistency" under previous Conservative governments. He reiterated his commitment to making Britain face outwards again, a promise made when his government was elected 18 months ago.
Global Context and Security Concerns
The meeting took place against a backdrop of global turbulence, including tensions with Iran, the war in Ukraine, and broader geopolitical uncertainties. Xi Jinping pointed out that in such a volatile world, increased dialogue between the UK and China is "imperative" for world peace and stability, as well as for the economies and peoples of both countries.
On the eve of his visit, Starmer spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and he is expected to seek Xi's support in efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine. The discussions also touched on cross-party concerns in the UK regarding China's human rights abuses and espionage activities, with the No 10 delegation reportedly using burner phones during the trip as a security precaution.
Extended Talks and Positive Signals
The private conversation between Starmer and Xi lasted for one hour and twenty minutes, nearly double the initially allotted time, indicating the depth and significance of the discussions. Xi described Starmer's visit as "a sign of auspiciousness," particularly with the upcoming lunar new year.
Earlier in the day, Starmer met with Zhao Leji, the chair of China's National People's Congress, who commended the UK leader's efforts to reach a rapprochement with China. Zhao stated that relations are now on "the correct track to improvement and development," with positive progress being made.
Looking Ahead to Future Cooperation
Starmer concluded his remarks by expressing optimism for a productive few days of discussions on key global issues, including stability and security, economic growth, and shared challenges like climate change. He emphasised that finding positive ways to work together is strongly in the common interest of both nations.
This historic summit represents a pivotal moment in UK-China diplomacy, as both leaders seek to navigate complex differences and build a more resilient partnership for the future. The outcomes of these talks could shape bilateral relations for years to come, influencing trade, security, and international cooperation in an increasingly interconnected world.
