UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday and described China as a major force in global affairs. The meeting took place during Starmer’s official visit to China, which aims to reset and strengthen economic ties between the two countries.

This trip is historic. Starmer is the first British prime minister to visit China in eight years. The visit comes at a time when both sides are looking to stabilise relations after years of strain.

UK PM calls China a “vital player” globally

Speaking at a joint press conference, Starmer said Beijing is a “vital player on a global scale”. He added that he “looks forward to taking [both countries’] relationship further”.

The two leaders last met in person in 2024. That meeting happened on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Brazil.

Starmer seeks a “more sophisticated” relationship

According to the BBC, Starmer told Xi that he wants a “more sophisticated” relationship with China. He also said it had been “too long” since a British prime minister visited the country.

The UK leader underlined the economic importance of closer ties. He made it clear that his focus was on domestic benefits. Starmer said: “It is with the British people in mind that I am here today.”

He also referred to a promise made after his election victory. “I made the promise 18 months ago, when we were elected into government, that I would make Britain face outwards again. 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," he added.

Xi says past tensions hurt both sides

In his remarks, President Xi acknowledged that relations between the UK and China have faced problems in recent years. “China-UK relations went through some twists and turns that did not serve the interests of our countries," Xi said.

He described the current global situation as uncertain and unstable. Xi said the world is “turbulent and fluid”.

More dialogue is “imperative”, says Xi

Xi stressed the need for stronger communication between London and Beijing. He said more dialogue was “imperative”, whether it was “for the sake of world peace and stability or for our two countries’ economies and peoples”.

He also pointed to the past role of the UK Labour Party. “In the past, Labour governments made important contributions to the growth of China-UK relations," Xi said.

China offers long-term strategic partnership

The Chinese president said Beijing is willing to build a steady and lasting partnership with the UK. “China stands ready to develop with the UK a long-term and consistent strategic partnership. It will benefit our two peoples," he said.

Xi also highlighted the importance of engagement. “Engagement with China is an unavoidable issue, and I express my appreciation for this,” he said. He added: “Good things often take time and effort,”

Calling for patience and respect, Xi said both countries should think long term. “As long as something is the right thing to do and serves the fundamental interests of our countries and peoples… We should take a long-term view,” Xi said. He also urged both sides to “rise above differences and uphold mutual respect,” he said.

Closed-door talks last longer than planned

After the press conference, Starmer and Xi moved to a private bilateral meeting. The talks were originally scheduled to last 40 minutes. However, according to the BBC, the meeting extended to more than an hour, suggesting wide-ranging discussions between the two leaders.