British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Beijing on Thursday for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking the first such visit in eight years. Xi called for deepening dialogue and cooperation to open a new chapter in relations. Starmer stressed the need for a more sophisticated relationship to collaborate on opportunities while engaging in meaningful dialogue on disagreements.
Starmer's China visit opens new chapter in UK relations
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Beijing on January 29, 2026, for a three-day visit—the first by a UK prime minister in eight years since Theresa May's trip in 2018. Starmer aims to repair London's ties with Beijing and strengthen trade and cultural links after years of strained relations.
During their meeting at the Great Hall of the People, Xi Jinping noted in opening remarks that bilateral ties had faced setbacks but offered a chance for a fresh start. He stated: “China stands ready to work with the UK to foster a long-term and stable comprehensive strategic partnership.” Xi added: “As long as we take a broad historical perspective, transcend differences and respect each other, we can deliver results that stand the test of history.”
Starmer replied that it had been “far too long” since the last British leader's visit and that the two nations should advance relations for global growth and stability. He said: “China is a vital player on the global stage and it’s vital to build a more sophisticated relationship where we identify opportunities to collaborate, but also allow a meaningful dialogue on areas where we disagree.”
The trip has drawn sharp criticism at home over national security risks and human rights concerns, including treatment of Uyghurs in Xinjiang and the imprisonment of Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said: “We should be talking more to those countries who are aligned with our interests, not the country that is doing everything it can to undermine our economy.” Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper questioned the approval of a Chinese mega-embassy in London, calling it a potential spy hub amid ongoing issues like bounties on pro-democracy protesters.
Starmer insisted the visit would benefit the UK and emphasized maintaining a “strategic and consistent relationship” with the world's second-largest economy. He told 60 accompanying British business leaders: “On this delegation, you're making history. You're part of the change that we're bringing about.”
The visit signals the UK's intent to act as a balancer in US-China rivalry rather than a mere follower, preserving close US ties on security and defense while pursuing economic opportunities with China.
