British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said his discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday made “really good progress” on issues including visa-free travel and trade tariffs.
Starmer’s visit marks the first by a British prime minister since 2018 and comes amid increasing interest from Western leaders in strengthening ties with China, as attention shifts from an unpredictable United States.
Meeting at the Great Hall of the People, both leaders emphasized the importance of closer cooperation in a complex global environment.
Starmer described China as a “vital player on the global stage” and said the two countries needed “a more sophisticated relationship where we identify opportunities to collaborate.”
Xi stressed the importance of long-term cooperation, highlighting the potential for enhanced economic ties and world stability.
According to China’s state news agency Xinhua, Xi told Starmer that China is willing to “actively consider” unilateral visa-free travel for British citizens.
During the visit, Starmer also met with Premier Li Qiang and China’s third-highest ranking official Zhao Leji.
Downing Street indicated the UK and China would sign a cooperation agreement targeting supply chains used by migrant smugglers, a key issue for Starmer amid efforts to curb illegal migration.
The trip includes a visit to Shanghai on Friday, followed by a brief stop in Japan to meet Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
Around 60 business and cultural representatives are accompanying Starmer as his Labour government seeks to boost trade and UK economic growth.
Economic cooperation was highlighted by British pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca, which announced plans to invest $15 billion in China through 2030.
AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot described China as “a critical contributor to scientific innovation, advanced manufacturing, and global public health.”
However, challenges remain. Starmer said he raised concerns about Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai, jailed for collusion, and the treatment of Uyghurs, while tensions over alleged spying, cyberattacks, and China’s perceived support for Russia’s war in Ukraine continue to complicate relations.
Despite these issues, Starmer said the talks were “very good and constructive, with real outcomes,” signaling cautious optimism for stronger UK-China ties.
