Starmer-Xi meeting live: UK prime minister says he wants ‘more sophisticated’ relationship with China | Keir Starmer
important events
Xi says China and UK need to ‘strengthen’ ties
Xi Jinping told Keir Starmer Their countries need to “strengthen” their ties to counter geopolitical adversities.
The Chinese leader said at the Beijing meeting on Thursday:
The current international situation is complex and intertwined. As permanent members of the UN Security Council and leading global economies, China and the UK need to strengthen dialogue and cooperation.
Opening summary
Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the British Prime Minister’s trip to China. Keir Starmer told Xi Jinping He wants a “more sophisticated” relationship with China.
Speaking from Beijing, Starmer told Xi it had been “a very long time” since a British prime minister had visited the country.
“China is a vital player on the global stage and it is vital that we build a more sophisticated relationship,” he said.
political editor of The Guardian Pippa Crerar He is in Beijing reporting on the meeting. Starmer also emphasized the economic benefits of improving relations with China and said:
I am here today thinking about the British people. When we were elected into government 18 months ago, I promised that I would turn Britain outward again.
Because, as we all know, events abroad affect what is happening in our country, from the prices on supermarket shelves to how safe we feel.
Starmer’s visit to Beijing came as he delivered a speech that he hoped would strengthen Britain’s economic relationship with China after years of hostility and amid uncertainty about whether the US is still a reliable partner.
We will convey the latest developments in Beijing to you live.
