Xi Jinping, Keir Starmer Seek Reset In China–UK Ties After Eight-Year Hiatus

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 30 (Bernama) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Beijing, marking the first visit by a United Kingdom (UK) prime minister to China in eight years.

In a statement, China Global Television Network (CGTN) said the leaders committed to building a long-term, consistent strategic partnership focused on pragmatic cooperation, shared interests in global governance, and economic growth.

President Xi urged both sides to transcend differences, uphold mutual respect and translate cooperation potential into concrete outcomes, while stressing the importance of multilateralism, free trade and a fairer global governance system.

Meanwhile, Starmer said it had been “too long” since the last high-level visit and described engagement with China as being in the UK’s national interest, adding that both countries could work together on global challenges such as climate change and economic stability.

China and the UK also reaffirmed their shared role as major economies and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and expressed readiness to deepen exchanges and practical cooperation to support growth and deliver mutual benefits.

A key focus of the meeting was the "mutually beneficial and win-win" economic relationship. China is currently the UK’s third-largest trading partner, supporting an estimated 370,000 jobs.

Xi called for expanded collaboration in critical areas, including education, healthcare, finance, services, and joint research in artificial intelligence, biosciences, renewable energy, and low-carbon technologies.

Starmer affirmed the UK’s readiness to maintain high-level exchanges and deepen cooperation in trade, investment, finance, and environmental protection to deliver tangible benefits to both countries.

-- BERNAMA