Starmer Starts Official China Trip to Boost UK Opportunities
This marks the first visit by a British prime minister to China since 2018, taking place amid ongoing tensions over US tariffs and broader strains among Western allies on issues including US activities in Greenland.
Starmer arrived in Beijing on Wednesday evening local time, accompanied by a delegation of around 60 figures from business, academia, and cultural sectors, according to reports from Chinese state media.
He is scheduled for official talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday, followed by a meeting with Premier Li Qiang. The prime minister is also expected to visit Shanghai before a planned trip to Tokyo for a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, although the Tokyo leg has not yet been formally confirmed.
Speaking to reporters during his flight to Beijing, Starmer said the large presence of business leaders in his delegation demonstrates that “there are opportunities” that could bring tangible benefits “back at home.”
He stressed the need for a “comprehensive and consistent approach to China,” warning against shifting unpredictably “from golden age to ice age.” Starmer added that the UK does not have to choose between the US and China, noting that engagement with Beijing would not undermine ties with Washington.
Chinese officials highlighted their own expectations for the visit. “China would like to take the visit as an opportunity to enhance political mutual trust with the UK, deepen practical cooperation, open new chapter of the sound and stable development of China-UK relationship,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun.
Theresa May was the last British prime minister to visit China in 2018, after which relations between London and Beijing reportedly cooled under successive Conservative governments.
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