British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Thursday he aims to build a “sophisticated relationship” with China to boost security and trade, signalling a reset after years of strained ties.
During the first visit by a British prime minister in eight years, Starmer spent three hours with President Xi Jinping at a formal summit and lunch, discussing topics from economics to soccer and Shakespeare.
Starmer emphasised the need for collaboration while maintaining dialogue on disagreements, while Xi described the relationship as having endured “twists and turns” and expressed readiness for a long-term partnership.
The visit follows other Western diplomatic engagements with China as leaders hedge against unpredictability from the United States under President Donald Trump. Starmer said talks had progressed on reducing tariffs for British whisky, and Xi indicated China may consider waiving visas for British nationals. (NewsWire)