Starmer aims for new China relations with focus on economic gains

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Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer greets Chinese President Xi Jinping with a handshake prior to their bilateral meeting during Starmer’s visit to China in Beijing on January 29, 2026. — Reuters

Starmer meets China’s Xi Jinping and calls for a reset in relations.
The visit occurs amid ongoing diplomacy with Beijing and tensions involving former President Trump.
The leaders are expected to announce an agreement to dismantle migrant-smuggling networks.

BEIJING: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday that he aims to establish a more “sophisticated relationship” to foster economic growth and security, signaling a potential thaw after years of strained ties.

On the key day of his four-day trip to China—the first British prime minister’s visit in eight years—Starmer held discussions with Xi at the Great Hall of the People before they shared a meal.

Starmer, leader of the center-left Labour Party, has prioritized repairing relations with China, the world’s second-largest economy, despite some lingering concerns and skepticism.

“China is an essential player on the global stage, and it’s crucial that we develop a more nuanced relationship—one where we can find opportunities to collaborate, as well as have honest conversations about disagreements,” Starmer told Xi at the meeting’s outset.

Xi noted that relations with Britain have experienced “twists and turns” that did not benefit either nation, adding that China is ready to build a long-term strategic partnership.

Starmer’s diplomatic move comes amid a broader push by Western leaders to engage with China, as countries hedge against unpredictability from the United States under President Donald Trump. Trump’s inconsistent threats of tariffs and his unconventional plans, like suggesting the U.S. should control Greenland, have upset longtime allies including Britain.

Starmer’s visit immediately follows a trip by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who signed a trade deal with China aimed at reducing barriers, which drew criticism from Trump.

Kerry Brown, a Chinese studies professor at King’s College London, expects several agreements to be announced, reflecting a positive shift in Britain-China relations.

“This should appear successful,” Brown said. “Neither side wants a meeting filled with disagreements.”

Main Business Delegation Accompanying Starmer

Starmer has shifted toward engaging more openly with China after years of cautiousness under previous Conservative governments, which limited some Chinese investments.

“I promised 18 months ago, when we took office, that Britain would become more outward-facing,” Starmer stated to Xi. “Because we all know that international events influence everything at home—from grocery prices to our sense of security.”

Kemi Badenoch, the leader of Britain’s Conservative opposition, said Wednesday she wouldn’t have visited China.

In a gesture of cooperation, Downing Street confirmed that Starmer and Xi will announce joint efforts to dismantle trafficking networks involved in smuggling illegal immigrants. The accord will focus on reducing the use of Chinese-made engines in small boats crossing Europe to claim asylum. British and Chinese officials will share intelligence, work with Chinese manufacturers, and target the supply routes used by smugglers, according to Downing Street.

Starmer also plans to raise human rights issues with Xi, including the case of Jimmy Lai, the former Hong Kong media tycoon and British citizen convicted of national security crimes in December. When asked about human rights during his flight to China, Starmer said he would “bring up the issues that need to be addressed.”

However, the trip’s highlight is the significant presence of over fifty business leaders, indicating that economic ties are a priority. Starmer emphasized the need for a “mature” relationship with China, which he discussed during a dinner at a Chinese restaurant—a spot formerly visited by U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.

He also learned how to say “thank you” in Chinese—’xie xie’—while posing for photos with staff, as shown in a video posted on Weibo.