Historic Beijing Summit Seeks to Reset UK-China Relations
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has engaged in a pivotal bilateral meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping during his official visit to Beijing, marking the first trip by a UK premier to China in eight years. The talks, held at the Great Hall of the People, aimed to address years of diplomatic fluctuations and forge a more stable path forward.
Xi Jinping Calls for Consistency Amid Global Challenges
In his opening remarks, President Xi acknowledged that the relationship between the UK and China has experienced significant "twists and turns" over recent years, which he stated have not served the interests of either nation. He emphasised the need for a "consistent" approach, urging both leaders to "rise above differences" and respect each other to withstand the test of history.
Xi quoted a Chinese proverb, "Range far your eye over long distances," to underscore the importance of a broad perspective in diplomacy. He highlighted that in a world facing turbulence from conflicts like the war in Ukraine and other international tensions, enhanced dialogue between the UK and China is "imperative" for global peace and economic stability.
Starmer Advocates for a More Sophisticated Partnership
Prime Minister Starmer responded by expressing his desire to build a "more sophisticated" relationship with China, recognising its vital role on the global stage. He stressed that improving bilateral ties could yield economic benefits for British citizens, affecting everything from supermarket prices to national security.
"I made the promise 18 months ago when we were elected into government that I would make Britain face outwards again," Starmer stated, linking international events directly to domestic wellbeing. He framed the visit as a step towards bringing "stability and clarity" to UK-China relations, contrasting it with what he described as years of inconsistency under previous Conservative administrations.
Discussions Span Global Issues and Historical Context
The private meeting between the two leaders extended to one hour and twenty minutes, nearly double the scheduled time, indicating the depth and complexity of the discussions. Topics included:
- Ukraine conflict: Starmer, who spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ahead of the visit, sought Xi's support in efforts to end the war.
- Economic cooperation: Both sides highlighted the potential for mutual economic gains through strengthened partnerships.
- Climate change: Starmer noted shared challenges like environmental issues as key areas for collaboration.
Xi praised former Labour governments under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown for their constructive contributions to China-UK relations, suggesting a readiness to develop a "long-term and consistent strategic partnership." He also mentioned the upcoming lunar new year, calling Starmer's visit "a sign of auspiciousness."
Background and Broader Diplomatic Efforts
The visit has not been without controversy, with cross-party concerns in the UK regarding China's espionage activities and human rights record. The No 10 delegation reportedly used burner phones as a precaution during the trip. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has criticised Starmer's decision to travel to China, a point Xi appeared to reference indirectly in his remarks.
Earlier in the day, Starmer met with Zhao Leji, chair of China's National People's Congress, who described the development of UK-China relations as "significant" in the current international landscape. Zhao commended Starmer's efforts towards rapprochement, stating that relations are now on "the correct track to improvement and development."
As global dynamics continue to shift, this historic meeting underscores a concerted effort by both nations to navigate differences and foster a more predictable and cooperative bilateral framework for the future.
