{"id":43061,"date":"2026-01-29T05:48:08","date_gmt":"2026-01-29T05:48:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/?p=43061"},"modified":"2026-01-29T05:48:08","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T05:48:08","slug":"starmer-xi-meeting-live-uk-prime-minister-says-he-wants-more-sophisticated-relationship-with-china-keir-starmer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/?p=43061","title":{"rendered":"Starmer-Xi meeting live: UK prime minister says he wants \u2018more sophisticated\u2019 relationship with China | Keir Starmer"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Key events<\/p>\n

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Xi Jinping<\/strong> has said the UK\u2019s relationship with his country has gone through \u201ctwists and turns\u201d over the years but that a more \u201cconsistent\u201d approach was in both their interests, Pippa Crerar<\/strong> is reporting from Beijing.<\/p>\n

Ahead of the talks with Keir Starmer<\/strong> during the first visit to China by a British prime minister in eight years, Xi said the two men would \u201cstand the test of history\u201d if they could \u201crise above differences\u201d, the Guardian\u2019s political editor writes in her latest full report.<\/p>\n

In the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Xi also appeared to reprimand Kemi Badenoch<\/strong>, the British Conservative leader, who has criticised Starmer for travelling to China this week.<\/p>\n

There has been cross-party concern about China\u2019s spying activities in the UK \u2013 with the travelling No 10 delegation operating on burner phones \u2013 and also Beijing\u2019s human rights abuses.<\/p>\n

However, the UK prime minister began the trip by saying he wanted to bring \u201cstability and clarity\u201d to the bilateral relationship after years of \u201cinconsistency\u201d under the Tories when it went from \u201cgolden age to ice age\u201d.<\/p>\n

You can read the full report here:<\/p>\n

<\/span>Keir Starmer, fifth from right, and Xi Jinping, sixth left, and their delegations participate in the meeting in Beijing. <\/span> Photograph: Carl Court\/APShare<\/p>\n

Updated at\u00a000.44 EST<\/p>\n

For more context on today\u2019s Starmer<\/strong>–Xi<\/strong> meeting, China is the world\u2019s second-biggest economy and Britain\u2019s third-largest trading partner \u2013 to which it exports \u00a345bn of goods and services a year \u2013 so it is no surprise the UK has turned to Beijing in its search for economic reliability.<\/p>\n

As the Guardian\u2019s political editor Pippa Crerar<\/strong> reported earlier today, the UK does not rank among the top 10 of China\u2019s trading partners but the Beijing leadership has spied a political opportunity to improve links with one of Washington\u2019s closest allies at a time of deep uncertainty in the transatlantic alliance.<\/p>\n

Starmer has insisted he is \u201cclear-eyed\u201d about the threat China poses to the UK\u2019s national security, with Downing Street saying he would have \u201cguardrails\u201d in place to protect against espionage.<\/p>\n

The agenda for the much of Starmer\u2019s talks is to focus on how to balance the need for commercial and diplomatic engagement with China while limiting its direct influence over UK infrastructure, as well as maintaining pressure on human rights, including the Uyghur population of Xinjiang and people in Hong Kong.<\/p>\n

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Updated at\u00a000.28 EST<\/p>\n

Keir Starmer<\/strong> and Xi Jinping <\/strong>spoke privately for an hour and 20 minutes \u2013 nearly double the allocated time for their meeting.<\/p>\n

The two were also due to have lunch together afterwards.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s now 1.01pm in Beijing.<\/p>\n

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Updated at\u00a000.24 EST<\/p>\n

Returning to Starmer\u2019s comments to Xi, the British PM called for a deeper relationship with China during what he described as \u201cchallenging times for the world\u201d.<\/p>\n

He told the Chinese leader that their countries needed to work together on global stability, climate change and other issues.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have long been clear that the UK and China need a long term, consistent and comprehensive strategic partnership,\u201d Starmer said, quoted by the AP.<\/p>\n

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Updated at\u00a023.48 EST<\/p>\n

Starmer-Xi meeting ends<\/h2>\n

The meeting between Keir Starmer<\/strong> and Xi Jinping<\/strong> has ended, Downing Street has confirmed.<\/p>\n

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Updated at\u00a023.37 EST<\/p>\n

Before his meeting with Xi Jinping<\/strong> meeting today, Keir Starmer<\/strong> was welcomed by National People\u2019s Congress chairman Zhao Leji<\/strong> at Beijing\u2019s Great Hall of the People.<\/p>\n

A report from the pool of journalists travelling with the British prime minister quotes Zhao as saying it was \u201csignificant\u201d to develop the UK-China relationship \u201cwell\u201d amid the \u201cchanging and turbulent international landscape\u201d.<\/p>\n

He also praised Starmer\u2019s efforts to reach a rapprochement with China, saying relations were now on \u201cthe correct track to improvement and development\u201d and \u201cpositive progress has been made.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starmer said:<\/p>\n

This is a historic visit, the first by a British prime minister in eight years. We have made this trip because I believe it is strongly in our common interest to find positive ways to work together, and that has been our long-standing position.<\/p>\n

The PM finished by saying:<\/p>\n

I look forward to a very productive few days discussing issues of global stability and security, growth and shared challenges like climate change.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Starmer and Zhao at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday.<\/span> Photograph: Kin Cheung\/PAShare<\/p>\n

Updated at\u00a023.38 EST<\/p>\n

There have been reports the Starmer-Xi meeting is still going after more than an hour, following earlier reports it was scheduled for 40 minutes.<\/p>\n

State news agency Xinhua reported that their talks were expected to cover trade ties, national security and human rights.<\/p>\n

The meeting in the Great Hall of the People comes on the most important day of Starmer\u2019s four-day visit to China \u2013 the first by a British PM since 2018.<\/p>\n

Starmer told journalists earlier on his flight to Beijing that he wanted to bring \u201cstability and clarity\u201d to the bilateral relationship after years of \u201cinconsistency\u201d under the Tories when it went from \u201cgolden age to ice age\u201d.<\/p>\n

In other developments:<\/p>\n

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    The British PM is also due to hold meetings with premier Li Qiang and China\u2019s top legislator<\/strong>, Zhao Leji, on Thursday.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Starmer\u2019s trip comes amid tension between the UK and longtime close ally the US<\/strong> over President Donald Trump\u2019s recent remarks including threats to take control of Greenland and blasting what he called UK \u201cstupidity\u201d over its decision to cede the Chagos Islands.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    European and other western countries have engaged in a flurry of diplomacy with China<\/strong> as they hedge against US unpredictability, with Starmer\u2019s visit immediately following one from Canadian prime minister Mark Carney, who signed an economic deal with Beijing to take down trade barriers, angering Trump.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    China indicated it was also eager to mend ties with the UK<\/strong>, portraying the relationship with Britain as being at a \u201cpivotal moment\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Starmer told a delegation of business leaders<\/strong> hours after arriving in China on Wednesday that it was time for a \u201cmature\u201d relationship between Britain and the world\u2019s second-biggest economy.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Downing Street said Starmer and Xi would announce that Britain and China would work together to tackle the gangs involved in trafficking illegal migrants<\/strong>, in a sign of how the countries could work together.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Starmer was asked en route to China if he would bring up the case of Jimmy Lai<\/strong> and said that he would \u201craise the issues that need to be raised\u201d on human rights with Xi. Lai, a former Hong Kong media tycoon and British citizen, was convicted in December of national security crimes.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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    Updated at\u00a023.33 EST<\/p>\n

    Some images from the meeting between the two leaders are dropping:<\/p>\n

    <\/span>Xi Jinping, third left, speaks during a meeting with Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer, unseen, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing <\/span> Photograph: Vincent Thian\/AP<\/span>Keir Starmer, second right, speaks during a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, unseen, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing <\/span> Photograph: Vincent Thian\/AP<\/span>A view of the meeting between Chinese leader Xi Jinping, third left, and Britain’s prime minister Keir Starmer, second right<\/span> Photograph: Vincent Thian\/APShare<\/p>\n

    More from Xi Jinping<\/strong> here as he met Keir Starmer: the Chinese leader said the UK-China relationship in recent years had seen \u201ctwists and turns that did not serve the interests of our countries\u201d.<\/p>\n

    Describing the state of the world as \u201cturbulent and fluid\u201d, Xi said more dialogue between the UK and China was \u201cimperative\u201d, whether it was \u201cfor the sake of world peace and stability or for our two countries\u2019 economies and peoples\u201d, PA Media is reporting.<\/p>\n

    Xi said:<\/p>\n

    In the past, Labour governments made important contributions to the growth of China-UK relations.<\/p>\n

    China stands ready to develop with the UK a long-term and consistent strategic partnership. It will benefit our two peoples.<\/p>\n

    Share<\/p>\n

    Updated at\u00a023.08 EST<\/p>\n

    Xi says China and UK must ‘strengthen’ ties<\/h2>\n

    Xi Jinping<\/strong> has told Keir Starmer<\/strong> their countries must \u201cstrengthen\u201d ties to counter geopolitical headwinds.<\/p>\n

    The Chinese leader was quoting as saying at their Beijing meeting on Thursday:<\/p>\n

    The current international situation is complex and intertwined. As permanent members of the UN security council and major global economies, China and the UK need to strengthen dialogue and cooperation.<\/p>\n

    Share<\/p>\n

    Updated at\u00a023.00 EST<\/p>\n

    Opening summary<\/h2>\n

    Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the British PM\u2019s trip to China. Keir Starmer <\/strong>has told Xi Jinping<\/strong> he wants a \u201cmore sophisticated\u201d relationship with China.<\/p>\n

    Speaking from Beijing, Starmer told Xi it had been \u201ctoo long\u201d since a British prime minister visited the country.<\/p>\n

    \u201cChina is a vital player on the global stage and it is vital that we build a more sophisticated relationship,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

    The Guardian\u2019s political editor Pippa Crerar<\/strong> is in Beijing reporting on the meeting. Starmer also stressed the economic benefits of an improved relationship with China, saying:<\/p>\n

    It is with the British people in mind that I am here today. I made the promise 18 months ago when we were elected into government that I would make Britain face outwards again.<\/p>\n

    Because as we all know, events abroad affect everything that happens back in our home countries, to prices on the supermarket shelves to how secure we feel.<\/p>\n

    Starmer\u2019s trip to Beijing comes as he undertakes talk he hopes will strengthen the UK\u2019s economic relationship with China after years of acrimony and amid British uncertainty on whether the US is still a reliable partner.<\/p>\n

    We will bring you the latest developments in Beijing, live.<\/p>\n

    Share<\/p>\n

    Updated at\u00a023.36 EST<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Key events Show key events only Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature Xi Jinping has said the UK\u2019s relationship with his country has gone through \u201ctwists and turns\u201d over the years but that a more \u201cconsistent\u201d approach was in both their interests, Pippa Crerar is reporting from Beijing. Ahead of the talks with<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":43062,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[48],"tags":[2153,1346,132,582,1354,1353,1457,22590,1347,22589],"class_list":{"0":"post-43061","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-politics","8":"tag-china","9":"tag-keir","10":"tag-live","11":"tag-meeting","12":"tag-minister","13":"tag-prime","14":"tag-relationship","15":"tag-sophisticated","16":"tag-starmer","17":"tag-starmerxi"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43061","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=43061"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43061\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/43062"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=43061"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=43061"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=43061"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}