Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK), Keir Starmer’s visit to China is the first in eight (8) years by a British Leader.
The UK PM and Xi Jinping, President of China, have called for a closer “strategic partnership” as they met in Beijing, the Chinese Capital, in the first visit by a UK leader in almost a decade.
Following the meeting at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People on Thursday 29 January, 2026, Starmer said, both leaders affirmed shared commitment to building “long-term and strategic partnership” that will be beneficial to both countries.
During their meeting, Starmer expressed his hopes to Xi that both sides can “identify opportunities to collaborate, but also allow a meaningful dialogue on areas where we disagree”.
Making his speech, Starmer said: “I think that working together on issues like climate change, global stability during challenging times for the world, is precisely what we should be doing as we build this relationship in the way that I’ve described.”
PM Starmer wrote via X: “Growth at home is directly linked to our engagement with the world’s biggest powers.
“Today I met with President Xi in Beijing. We affirmed our shared commitment to building a long-term and strategic partnership that will benefit both our countries, while maintaining frank and open dialogue on areas of disagreement.
“As Prime Minister, I will always deliver in the interest of the British people.”
Prior to his trip to the Asian country, Starmer said, engaging in business with China is the pragmatic choice, and the time has come for a “mature” relationship with the world’s second-largest economy.
The Chinese President emphasized the need for more “dialogue and cooperation” amid a “complex and intertwined” international situation.
Xi said: “Good things often come with difficulties. As long as it is the right thing to do in accordance with the fundamental interests of the country and its people, leaders will not shy away from difficulties and will forge ahead bravely.”
The UK Leader is on a three-day visit to China.
The last time a Prime Minister of the UK visited China was in 2018, when Theresa May visited Beijing.
The relationship between the two countries has been unfriendly since Beijing carried out a political crackdown in Hong Kong, a former British colony, following months of antigovernment demonstrations in 2019.
Starmer’s trip to Beijing is also beclouded by the strained connection between London amd Washington under the Leadership of President Donald Trump.
The relationship between both countries have been put to the test by Trump’s tariffs and the recent threats of taking over Greenland, the world’s largest Island and an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Photo: Keir Starmer and Xi Jinping in Beijing, China | Reuters
