The Xi-Starmer meeting marked a significant moment in UK-China relations as Chinese president Xi Jinping urged both countries to “rise above differences” during talks with British prime minister Keir Starmer in Beijing, the first such visit by a UK leader in eight years.
Meeting inside the Great Hall of the People, Xi told Starmer that although relations between London and Beijing had experienced “twists and turns” over the years, a more consistent and strategic approach would serve the interests of both nations.
The Xi-Starmer meeting comes at a time of growing global instability, with conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and rising geopolitical competition between major powers.
Opening the bilateral talks, Xi framed the meeting in historical terms, suggesting the decisions taken by leaders today would be judged over decades. He said that if both sides respected each other and looked beyond short-term disagreements, the UK and China could “stand the test of history”.
“Sometimes good things take time,” Xi told Starmer. “As long as we take a broad perspective, rise above differences and respect each other, then we will prove ourselves able to stand the test of history.”
The Chinese leader also quoted a proverb urging leaders to “range far your eye over long distances”, underlining his call for long-term thinking in diplomacy.
While acknowledging past tensions, Xi said instability in the relationship had benefited neither side and stressed that cooperation was increasingly important in a “turbulent and fluid” world.
Responding to Xi’s remarks, Starmer said the UK wanted to pursue a “more sophisticated” relationship with China, recognising Beijing’s influence on the global stage. He emphasised that his approach was rooted in practical benefits for British citizens, including economic stability and global security.
“China is a vital player on the global stage and it is vital that we build a more sophisticated relationship,” Starmer said. “It is with the British people in mind that I am here today.”
The prime minister said global events directly affected daily life in Britain, from energy prices to the cost of food on supermarket shelves. Re-engaging with China, he argued, was part of his wider promise to make Britain “face outwards again” after years of uncertainty in foreign policy.
The Xi-Starmer meeting is the first by a British prime minister since 2018, highlighting how relations cooled sharply under successive Conservative governments.
Starmer contrasted his approach with what he described as years of inconsistency, during which relations swung from the so-called “golden age” under David Cameron to what critics labelled an “ice age” amid security concerns and diplomatic disputes.
“This is a historic visit, the first by a British prime minister in eight years,” Starmer said. “We have made this trip because I believe it is strongly in our common interest to find positive ways to work together.”
Earlier in the day, Starmer also met Zhao Leji, the chair of China’s National People’s Congress, who praised efforts to place relations back on what he called “the correct track to improvement and development”.
Despite the positive tone in Beijing, the visit has drawn criticism back in the UK. Cross-party concerns remain over alleged Chinese espionage and human rights abuses, prompting heightened security measures for the travelling delegation, including the use of burner phones.
Xi appeared to respond indirectly to criticism from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who questioned the timing and purpose of the visit.
Without naming her, the Chinese president suggested that political attacks should not deter leaders from pursuing what they believed to be in their countries’ long-term interests.
“There are difficulties,” Xi said, “but leaders should not shy away from them.”
Human rights issues, including Beijing’s record in Xinjiang and Hong Kong, continue to cast a shadow over UK-China relations.
Starmer has previously said engagement does not mean endorsement, and that Britain would continue to raise concerns while seeking dialogue.
International security formed a key backdrop to the talks. With Donald Trump’s renewed focus on Greenland.
Read more here: Keir Starmer China visit aims to make UK richer, safer as PM lands in Beijing
