Intro: INTRO: The visit comes at a time of shifting global alliances and reflects London’s attempt to recalibrate relations with Beijing amid economic pressures and geopolitical uncertainty.
Beijing
After years of strained ties, China and the UK are looking to develop a long-term strategic partnership following a high-stakes meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday.
Starmer is on a 4-day visit to China, the first trip by a British prime minister in eight years — signaling an attempt at resetting relations between the two countries after years of distrust and acrimony.
Beijing’s crackdowns on democratic protests in Hong Kong, a former British colony, and imposition of a sweeping national security legislation in 2020 strained bilateral ties, while U.K. businesses in China have flagged a challenging business climate in the country.
The UK has often accused China of conducting espionage in the country, and labeled it as a long-term strategic challenge. Financial Times reported on Tuesday that British officials were planning to tighten scrutiny of Chinese activity over national security concerns.
The British government as recently as December moved to clamp down on two tech companies based in China, allegedly for carrying out cyberattacks that it said had undermined UK security and prosperity.
Against that backdrop, Thursday’s developments signal a positive shift in relations. The two countries said they will expand cooperation in key areas including education, healthcare, finance and artificial intelligence research, biological sciences and new energy development.
Beijing will also consider opening visa-free entry for British nationals, the statement said, while urging London to create a fair and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese firms operating in the UK.
Starmer told Xi at the start of the meeting that it was “vital that we build a more sophisticated relationship” allowing both sides to identify areas for further collaborations and dialogue, as per agencies.
London will maintain high-level close communications with Beijing and deepen trade and investment partnerships, according to the Chinese readout.
Speaking to reporters following the summit with Xi, Starmer described the meeting as “positive” and one that delivered “productive outcome,” adding that the relationship was in a “good, strong place.”
Turning to China?
Starmer’s trip comes at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump’s foreign policy and tariff threats have unsettled traditional allies, while Beijing has hosted several Western leaders just this month including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Ireland’s Prime Minister Michael Martin — the first visit by an Irish leader in 14 years — and Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.
Key points
* China is willing to develop a long-term strategic partnership with the UK, China’s Xi Jinping told British Prime Minister Keir Starmer Thursday.
* UK is looking to build “more sophisticated” ties with China, Starmer said.
* Starmer started the four-day visit on Wednesday, marking the first visit by a British prime minister in eight years.