British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Thursday that he wants to build a “sophisticated relationship” with China, signalling a new phase in ties between London and Beijing after years of strained relations. His remarks came during a high-profile meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, as part of a four-day visit to China—the first by a British prime minister in eight years.

On the most important day of his visit, Starmer held an 80-minute summit with Xi at the Great Hall of the People, followed by lunch together. Later, he was scheduled to meet Chinese Premier Li Qiang. The visit reflects Starmer’s effort to improve relations with the world’s second-largest economy, as his centre-left Labour government seeks to boost economic growth and strengthen national security, despite ongoing concerns about espionage and human rights.

During the meeting, Starmer described China as a key global power and stressed the importance of balanced cooperation and dialogue. “China is a vital player on the global stage, and it's vital that we build a more sophisticated relationship where we can identify opportunities to collaborate, but of course, also allow a meaningful dialogue on areas where we disagree,” he told Xi at the start of their talks.

In response, Xi acknowledged the complex history of relations between the two countries and expressed China’s willingness to move forward. He said ties between Britain and China had experienced “twists and turns” that had not benefited either side. Xi added that China was ready to develop a long-term strategic partnership with Britain. “We can deliver a result that can withstand the test of history,” he said, standing alongside his top ministers.

Starmer’s visit comes at a time when Western countries are engaging in renewed diplomacy with China, partly due to uncertainty in global politics. The article notes that Starmer is among several Western leaders seeking closer engagement with Beijing, as countries hedge against unpredictability from the United States under President Donald Trump. Trump’s fluctuating threats of trade tariffs and his pledge to seize control of Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, have upset traditional allies such as Britain.

The British leader’s trip followed closely after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s China visit. Carney recently signed an economic agreement with Beijing to reduce trade barriers, which reportedly angered Trump. Kerry Brown, a professor of Chinese studies at King’s College London, said he expected Britain and China to announce several deals to demonstrate improvements in their relationship. Starmer is accompanied by more than 50 business leaders, highlighting his focus on achieving economic gains through stronger ties with China.

Starmer’s approach marks a shift from previous British governments. Relations between London and Beijing deteriorated during the Conservative leadership, when Britain restricted some Chinese investments due to national security concerns and criticised China’s actions in Hong Kong. Reflecting on his government’s foreign policy direction, Starmer said, “I made the promise 18 months ago, when we were elected into government, that I would make Britain face outwards again.”

He also emphasised the global impact of international events, saying, “Because, as we all know, events abroad affect everything that happens back in our home countries, from prices on the supermarket shelves to how secure we feel.”

However, the visit has drawn criticism at home. Kemi Badenoch, leader of Britain’s opposition Conservative Party, said on Wednesday that she would not have travelled to China because of the security risks the country poses. British security services have repeatedly warned that China engages in espionage against the UK government, although China has denied these allegations.

Despite tensions, the two countries are set to cooperate on tackling migrant smuggling. Downing Street announced that Starmer and Xi would jointly address gangs involved in trafficking illegal migrants. The agreement will focus on reducing the use of Chinese-made engines in small boats that carry migrants across Europe to seek asylum. British and Chinese officials will share intelligence to identify smuggling supply routes and work with Chinese manufacturers to prevent legitimate businesses from being exploited by organised crime.

Starmer also indicated that he would address sensitive issues during his visit. Speaking to reporters aboard the plane to China, he said he would “raise the issues that need to be raised” on human rights with Xi. This included the case of Jimmy Lai, a former Hong Kong media tycoon and British citizen who was convicted in December on national security charges.

The visit also included moments of cultural interaction. After arriving in Beijing late Wednesday, Starmer dined at a restaurant known for its mushroom-based dishes—a venue that had previously hosted former U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen during her 2023 visit. During the dinner, Starmer practised saying the Chinese word for thank you, “xie xie,” with restaurant staff, according to a video shared on Weibo, where he was seen posing for photographs.

Overall, Starmer’s visit reflects a cautious but proactive effort to reset UK-China relations, balancing economic cooperation, security concerns, and human rights dialogue, while signalling a new direction in Britain’s engagement with China.