Chinas Xi Jinping and UKs Kier Starmer Agree on Economic Cooperation

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Visits China for First Time in Eight Years

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has arrived in Beijing for a three-day visit, marking the first trip by a UK leader to China in eight years. The meeting between Starmer and Chinese President Xi Jinping took place at the Great Hall of the People on Thursday.

During their discussion, Starmer expressed his intention to establish a long-term strategic partnership with China, citing the country’s importance as the world’s second-largest economy. Xi emphasized the need for increased dialogue and cooperation in light of the complex international situation.

The visit is part of an effort by Starmer to strengthen economic and security ties between the two nations. The UK delegation accompanying Starmer includes representatives from nearly 50 British businesses and cultural organizations, such as HSBC, British Airways, AstraZeneca, and GSK.

According to UK government data, China was the UK’s fourth-largest trading partner in 2025, with bilateral trade worth $137 billion. Starmer’s visit aims to deepen these economic ties despite criticism at home regarding China’s human rights record and its status as a potential national security threat.

The meeting also focused on cooperation in law enforcement to combat the trafficking of undocumented immigrants into the UK by criminal gangs. Relations between the UK and China have been strained since Beijing launched a crackdown in Hong Kong following months of antigovernment protests in 2019.

Starmer’s trip coincides with tensions between Beijing and London, as well as Washington, due to President Donald Trump’s tariff war. The visit marks a significant development in the UK-China relationship, which has been subject to scrutiny in recent years.

Source: Al Jazeera