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UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has engaged in a significant diplomatic meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, articulating a commitment to cultivate relations between the two nations that are “consistent, durable, respectful” and grounded in mutual understanding.
During their meeting on Monday at the G20 summit convened in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, Starmer proposed establishing follow-up discussions that would enhance engagement at high levels, including a potential bilateral meeting with China’s Premier Li Qiang, which could take place in either Beijing or London.
“We aspire for our relations to embody consistency, durability, and respectfulness and — as we have mutually agreed — to minimize surprises whenever feasible,” Starmer stated, emphasizing the importance of stable diplomatic channels.
Downing Street confirmed that Starmer raised crucial issues concerning human rights, the impact of Chinese sanctions on British parliamentarians, and voiced concerns over the treatment of Jimmy Lai, the prominent Hong Kong media figure who has faced significant challenges under the current regime.
Starmer expressed intentions for Rachel Reeves, the UK Chancellor, to conduct discussions with Chinese counterparts about advancing economic and financial relationships between the two countries. Her visit to Beijing is anticipated early next year, signaling a strong commitment to dialogue.
“A robust UK-China relationship is vital not only for both nations but also for the larger international community,” Starmer asserted. “The UK will position itself as a predictable, consistent, sovereign entity dedicated to upholding the rule of law.”
In light of the looming prospects of US president-elect Donald Trump implementing global tariffs that could disproportionately affect China, Starmer is keen to preserve open dialogue with Beijing, recognizing its critical role as a trading partner in his broader strategy to invigorate UK economic growth.
Following his discussions with Starmer, Xi Jinping commented that China and the UK possess “broad space for co-operation,” pointing to potential collaborative efforts in trade, clean energy, financial services, and healthcare as avenues for mutual benefit.
Xi declared: “We will break new ground in the China-UK relationship amid a changing world, and better underscore our relationship’s relevance for the times and its significance for the world.”
Starmer was enthusiastic about facilitating Rachel Reeves’s meeting with China’s Vice-Premier He Lifeng early next year “to explore additional investment projects and foster a more equitable environment for our businesses.”
He also highlighted that David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, had recently raised concerns in Beijing regarding “human rights violations, parliamentary sanctions, Taiwan, and the South China Sea, in addition to our shared interests concerning Hong Kong.”
Starmer expressed, “We are deeply concerned by reports indicating the deterioration of Jimmy Lai’s circumstances.”
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The newly elected Labour government is actively reviewing the dynamics of UK-China relations, with an expectation to pursue a constructive engagement strategy with Beijing, all the while enforcing stringent trade restrictions where national security concerns arise.
Downing Street indicated Starmer’s intent to engage with China in key areas involving international stability, climate change, and economic growth. This meeting marks a significant moment, being the first face-to-face interaction between a British prime minister and Xi since Theresa May’s visit to Beijing in 2018.
Since May’s meeting with Xi, the relationship between China and Britain has markedly soured, with a stark contrast to the “golden era” heralded by former Prime Minister Lord David Cameron.
His successor, Rishi Sunak, adopted a significantly tougher stance on Beijing as a response to increasing pressure from hardline voices within his party.
Starmer’s presence at the Rio summit is pivotal, as he seizes the opportunity to engage in bilateral discussions, representing a component of his extensive global tour following his appointment as prime minister in July. Notably, his visit marks the first by a British leader to Brazil in over a decade.
This story has been amended since publication. Theresa May met Xi Jinping in 2018, not 2016 as initially stated.
What strategies is Roula Khalaf suggesting could enhance the economic collaboration between the UK and China following recent diplomatic meetings?
**Interview with Roula Khalaf, Editor of the Financial Times**
**Interviewer:** Good afternoon, Roula. Thank you for joining us today. The recent diplomatic meeting between UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and China’s President Xi Jinping is certainly a significant development. What are your thoughts on the implications of this meeting for UK-China relations?
**Roula Khalaf:** Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. This meeting represents a critical step in reshaping UK-China relations after a period of tension. Starmer’s articulated commitment to “consistent, durable, and respectful” relations indicates a desire for a more stable diplomatic approach, which is crucial in today’s geopolitical environment.
**Interviewer:** Absolutely. Starmer emphasized the importance of minimizing surprises in diplomatic discussions. How might this strategy influence future engagements between the two nations?
**Roula Khalaf:** By advocating for transparent and predictable interactions, Starmer is seeking to build trust. This approach is particularly vital for addressing complex issues like human rights and economic cooperation. A consistent dialogue can pave the way for addressing sensitive topics while still fostering strong economic ties.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of economic ties, Starmer mentioned plans for high-level follow-up discussions, including a potential visit from UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves to Beijing. What significance do you see in these planned discussions?
**Roula Khalaf:** These discussions are pivotal for reinvigorating economic relationships, especially at a time when global economic conditions are shifting. Reeves’s prospective visit signals the UK’s earnest approach to strengthening trade relations, especially with China being a key player in the global market.
**Interviewer:** Xi Jinping referenced opportunities for co-operation in sectors like trade and clean energy. How do you think these areas can benefit both nations?
**Roula Khalaf:** There’s immense potential for collaboration in sectors such as clean energy, which not only addresses climate change but also promotes sustainable economic growth. Both nations can share expertise, technology, and investments in these fields, which is mutually beneficial and aligns with global sustainability goals.
**Interviewer:** Starmer appears to be positioning the UK as a consistent partner for global dialogue, particularly in light of potential tariffs under the incoming US administration. What strategy do you think he is adopting to achieve this?
**Roula Khalaf:** By positioning the UK as a sovereign entity committed to the rule of law and open dialogue, Starmer is attempting to carve out a unique role for the UK in the international arena. This strategy aims to establish the UK as a reliable trading partner, which can be particularly appealing in the context of U.S.-China tensions.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Roula, for your insights. It’s clear that the UK-China relationship will evolve significantly under Starmer’s leadership. We look forward to seeing how this unfolds.
**Roula Khalaf:** Thank you for having me. It will be fascinating to watch these developments closely.