UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for a three-day visit, marking the first trip by a British leader to China since Theresa May in 2018. He was welcomed by an honor guard at the airport and will be accompanied by a delegation of business, cultural, and sports representatives.
Starmer’s visit comes amid rising tensions between the United States and its allies under Donald Trump’s leadership, as Beijing actively courts international partners. The trip aims to bolster political, economic, and cultural ties between the UK and China, while maintaining vigilance on security concerns.
Speaking to reporters on the flight to China, Starmer emphasized the importance of engagement. “It doesn’t make sense to stick our head in the sand when it comes to China. It’s in our interests to engage,” he said, calling the visit “an important trip” that could yield tangible progress, dw.com reports.
On his first day, Starmer met Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People. Starmer highlighted the need for a “more sophisticated” UK-China relationship, noting that it had been too long since a British prime minister visited.
President Xi, in turn, emphasized the importance of strengthening dialogue and cooperation on global stability, climate change, and other international issues. “The current international situation is complex and intertwined,” Xi said.
“China and the UK, as permanent members of the UN Security Council and major global economies, need a long-term, consistent and comprehensive strategic partnership.”
Starmer is also scheduled to meet Premier Li Qiang and, on Friday, will travel to Shanghai with his delegation for talks with business executives.
Starmer’s visit is part of a broader effort by China to engage with international allies, following limited foreign visits during the pandemic.
Recent months have seen leaders from France, South Korea, Ireland, and Finland visiting Beijing. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is scheduled to visit later this month, while former US President Donald Trump plans his own trip in April.
The UK prime minister’s visit occurs amid scrutiny at home over China-related policy decisions, including plans for a new Chinese embassy in London. Human rights concerns in Hong Kong, including the conviction of media tycoon Jimmy Lai, could also present diplomatic challenges, though Starmer has refrained from commenting publicly on these issues during the visit.
Starmer described his approach as pragmatic, emphasizing common sense and engagement with China while safeguarding the UK’s interests.
