BEIJING — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called for a “strategic partnership” to strengthen ties between their countries amid mounting uncertainty and turbulence in global relations.
Although neither leader mentioned U.S. President Donald Trump by name, their remarks reflected concern over disruptions to the post-Cold War international order.
“In the current turbulent and ever-changing international situation … China and the U.K. need to strengthen dialogue and cooperation to maintain world peace and stability,” Xi told Starmer at the start of their meeting in Beijing.
China’s state broadcaster CCTV reported that Xi stressed that “major powers” must adhere to international law, warning that the world could otherwise descend into a “jungle” — a statement widely seen as an indirect reference to recent global tensions.
Starmer, for his part, underscored the need for collaboration on shared challenges. “Working together on issues like climate change, global stability during challenging times for the world is precisely what we should be doing,” he said.
The two leaders met for 80 minutes, twice the scheduled time, at the Great Hall of the People, signaling a bid to reset relations after years of strained ties. Diplomatic friction has stemmed from allegations of Chinese espionage in Britain, Beijing’s support for Russia in its war in Ukraine, and China’s curbs on freedoms in Hong Kong, the former British colony returned to Chinese sovereignty in 1997.
Starmer is the first British prime minister to visit China in eight years.
“China-U.K. relations experienced twists and turns in previous years, which was not in the interests of either country,” Xi said, according to Chinese media.
Downing Street said Britain was seeking “a consistent, long-term, and strategic partnership that will benefit both countries.”
After the talks, Starmer told reporters the discussions had made “really good progress.”
“The relationship is in a good place, a strong place,” he said.
Trade, Investment and Diplomatic Challenges
Starmer’s four-day visit, which includes a stop in Shanghai, China’s financial hub, has produced a series of business and government agreements. Among them are lower Chinese tariffs on Scotch whisky and a 30-day visa-free travel arrangement for British tourists and business visitors.
The trip also comes amid controversy in the U.K. over the approval of a large new Chinese Embassy in London, a move welcomed by Beijing but criticized by some British officials and rights groups who fear it could facilitate espionage and intimidation of dissidents.
“Good things often come with difficulties,” Xi said. “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.”
Human rights concerns also loomed over the visit. It follows the recent conviction in Hong Kong of Jimmy Lai, a former newspaper publisher and British citizen, under a national security law imposed by Beijing after the 2019 pro-democracy protests.
Starmer said he raised human rights issues during his talks with Xi, describing their exchange as a “respectful discussion.”
He reiterated his commitment to balancing national security with diplomatic and economic engagement. “I made a promise 18 months ago when we were elected into government, that I would make Britain face outward again,” Starmer said. “Because as we all know, events abroad affect everything that happens back in our home countries, from prices on the supermarket shelves to how secure we feel.”
Economic Focus
Starmer’s Labour government has faced pressure to boost economic growth and ease a cost-of-living crisis, and he has identified China as a potential source of trade and investment.
More than 50 U.K. business executives and leaders of major cultural organizations joined the delegation, as Britain seeks to expand access for its professional and financial services in China and attract Chinese investment at home.
Among the deals announced was a commitment by pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca to invest $15 billion in China through 2030. The two governments also agreed to conduct a “feasibility study” as a preliminary step toward a potential services agreement.
The visit comes as many governments look to diversify trade relationships amid disruptions to global commerce. On Thursday, Vietnam and the European Union upgraded their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, days after the EU and India announced a free trade agreement.
“At a moment when the international rules-based order is under threat from multiple sides, we need to stand side by side as reliable and predictable partners,” European Council President Antonio Costa said during a visit to Hanoi.
Starmer is the fourth leader of a U.S. ally to visit Beijing this month, following visits by the leaders of South Korea, Canada and Finland. Germany’s chancellor is expected to travel to China next month.
In separate meetings, Starmer also spoke with Zhao Leji, chairman of China’s National People’s Congress, and Premier Li Qiang, who said efforts to improve relations had been “widely welcomed” in both countries.
Addressing the U.K.-China Business Council, Starmer described his goal as building “a more sophisticated relationship fit for these times.”
“I would like to echo a Chinese phrase, which I think captures the essence of what I’m talking about: pursue common goals whilst reserving differences,” he said. “That’s what we are working together to achieve.”
