British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called for a “comprehensive strategic partnership” as global politics and trade face renewed uncertainty.
Neither leader mentioned U.S. President Donald Trump by name, but shifting global dynamics were central to the talks.
“I think working together on issues like climate change and global stability, especially during challenging times, is exactly what we should be doing,” Starmer told Xi during their opening remarks.
The leaders met at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing as Britain and China try to repair ties after years of strain. Relations have suffered over allegations of Chinese spying in the UK, Beijing’s support for Russia in the Ukraine war, and China’s crackdown on freedoms in Hong Kong, the former British colony returned in 1997.
Starmer is the first British prime minister to visit China in eight years.
“China–UK relations faced setbacks in recent years, which did not serve either side,” Xi said. “In a complex and rapidly changing international situation, China and the UK need stronger dialogue and cooperation to safeguard world peace and stability.”
Xi also appeared to acknowledge criticism faced by Starmer at home for engaging with China despite security and human rights concerns. The UK recently approved plans for a large new Chinese embassy in London, easing a diplomatic obstacle but raising fears that it could aid espionage or intimidation of dissidents.
“Good things often come with difficulties,” Xi said. “Leaders should not shy away from challenges if they act in the fundamental interests of their people.”
Starmer, who took office in July 2024, has said Britain can protect national security while maintaining dialogue and economic cooperation with China. He said it had “been far too long” since a UK prime minister visited Beijing.
“I promised that Britain would face outward again,” Starmer said. “Events abroad affect everything at home, from supermarket prices to how secure we feel.”
His government has faced pressure to deliver economic growth and ease a cost-of-living crisis affecting millions of households.
More than 50 senior business executives joined Starmer on the trip, along with leaders from cultural organizations, as he seeks to expand opportunities for British companies in China.
Disruption to global trade under the Trump administration has pushed many governments to deepen ties elsewhere. On Thursday, Vietnam and the European Union upgraded their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, days after the EU and India announced a free trade agreement.
“At a time when the rules-based international order is under threat, we need reliable and predictable partners,” European Council President Antonio Costa said in Hanoi.
Starmer is the fourth leader from a US-allied country to visit Beijing this month, following leaders from South Korea, Canada and Finland. Germany’s chancellor is expected to visit next month.
Earlier Thursday, Starmer met Zhao Leji, chairman of China’s legislature, the National People’s Congress. The two sides were expected to sign several agreements, including one aimed at disrupting the supply of Chinese-made boat engines used by smugglers to bring migrants across the English Channel.
More than half of those engines originate in China, according to the British government. Under the deal, UK law enforcement agencies will work with Chinese authorities and manufacturers to keep the engines out of criminal hands.
