Xi Jinping Calls for UK and China to 'Rise Above Differences' in Crucial Beijing Summit with Keir Starmer
Chinese President Xi Jinping has told Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer that Britain and China must "rise above differences" during their pivotal meeting in Beijing, marking a significant moment in efforts to reset diplomatic relations between the two global powers. The prime minister's controversial three-day visit to China, which he claims will make the UK "safer and richer", comes despite substantial concerns over China's threat to British national security and mounting pressure to secure the release of Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai.
A Meeting of Strategic Importance
Sitting down with President Xi on Thursday in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Sir Keir began their talks by stating his desire for a "more sophisticated" relationship with Beijing. At the beginning of a meeting lasting one hour and twenty minutes, the prime minister noted it had been "too long" since a British leader had visited China, which he described as a "vital player on the global stage."
"China-UK relations went through some twists and turns that did not serve the interests of our countries," Sir Keir remarked during the opening exchanges.
In his own opening remarks, President Xi observed that "in the past, Labour governments made important contributions to the growth of China-UK relations." He told Sir Keir that the two leaders would "stand the test of history" if they could successfully navigate their differences.
Human Rights Concerns and Diplomatic Pressure
The prime minister has faced considerable domestic pressure to address China's human rights record during the visit, particularly concerning:
- The ongoing detention of Hong Kong activist Jimmy Lai
- The treatment of the Uyghur minority in Xinjiang
- Recent security incidents involving alleged Chinese espionage
This diplomatic engagement follows the collapsed trial of two men accused of spying for China last year, alongside an accusation from MI5 in November that Chinese spies had been posing as headhunters on LinkedIn to target MPs as part of a "widespread" operation to access UK government information.
Sir Keir remained tight-lipped before the meeting about specific issues he intended to raise with President Xi, stating only that he has "always raised the issues that need to be raised" on foreign trips but would not "get ahead of" himself in public comments.
Progress on Trade and Travel Agreements
Following the meeting, the prime minister reported making "good progress" on discussions concerning tariffs and visa-free travel arrangements between the two nations. Sir Keir stated that he and the Chinese leader had explored how "huge opportunities" in China could benefit people back in the United Kingdom.
China indicated in its official readout of the meeting that it was willing to "actively consider" implementing unilateral visa-free entry for UK citizens, potentially easing travel restrictions that have complicated business and tourism exchanges.
Channel Crossings and Law Enforcement Cooperation
A significant focus of the broader discussions has been a proposed joint UK-Chinese law enforcement operation designed to combat illegal Channel crossings by disrupting the supply of small boat engines. This initiative aims to tackle the migration issue at its source, given that approximately 60 percent of engines powering small boats across the Channel are Chinese-manufactured, with many vessels also utilising Chinese components.
The proposed agreement is understood to encompass several key elements:
- Intelligence sharing on smugglers' supply routes
- Direct engagement with Chinese manufacturers to deter them from supplying criminal gangs
- Enhanced removal of individuals without legal residency in the UK
- Intensified efforts against Chinese organised crime groups involved in manufacturing synthetic opioids
Ministers are hopeful that this comprehensive agreement will contribute to a significant reduction in Channel crossings, amid growing political pressure to bring numbers down as Reform UK gains popularity.
A Broader Diplomatic Agenda
Thursday's day of talks with Chinese leadership began with Sir Keir meeting Zhao Leji, chairman of China's National People's Congress. Mr Zhao described it as "significant" to develop UK-China relations amid the "changing and turbulent international landscape." He praised Sir Keir's efforts to reach a rapprochement with China, stating that relations were on "the correct track to improvement and development" and that "positive progress has been made."
Later on Thursday, Sir Keir was scheduled to meet Chinese Premier Li Qiang, where a series of new agreements between the two nations were expected to be signed, further solidifying the renewed diplomatic engagement.
The prime minister's visit represents a delicate balancing act between pursuing economic opportunities with China while addressing serious concerns about human rights and national security. As President Xi emphasised during their meeting: "Sometimes good things take time. As long as it is the right thing that serves the fundamental interests of the country and the people, then as leaders we should not shy away from difficulties and we should press ahead with fortitude."
