"I have long been clear that the UK and China need a long-term, consistent and comprehensive strategic partnership, Starmer said on Thursday. During their meeting, Starmer told Xi that he hopes the two leaders can identify opportunities to collaborate, but also allow a meaningful dialogue on areas where we disagree. Xi stressed the need for more dialogue and cooperation amid a complex and intertwined international situation."
"The meeting between the two leaders in Beijing's Great Hall of the People on Thursday was due to last about 40 minutes, and was to be followed by another meeting between Starmer and Chinese Premier Li Qiang later in the day. Starmer is in China for three days and is accompanied by a delegation representing nearly 50 UK businesses and cultural organisations, including HSBC, British Airways, AstraZeneca and GSK. The last trip by a UK prime minister was in 2018, when Theresa May visited Beijing."
Keir Starmer met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, marking the first UK prime ministerial visit to China in eight years. The leaders aimed to pursue a pragmatic, mature, long-term strategic partnership focused on deeper economic and security cooperation while allowing meaningful dialogue on disagreements. Xi called for increased dialogue and cooperation amid a complex, intertwined international situation. Starmer's three-day visit includes meetings with Premier Li Qiang and a delegation of nearly 50 UK businesses and cultural organisations, including HSBC, British Airways, AstraZeneca and GSK. Bilateral trade reached $137bn in 2025, and the visit faces domestic criticism over China's human rights record.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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