Starmer Meets President Xi in Beijing During Landmark UK Visit to China
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has begun high-level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing as the UK seeks to stabilise and redefine its relationship with China after years of strained ties.
The visit is the first by a British prime minister in more than six years and comes as Starmer undertakes a three-day diplomatic tour of the country. He is accompanied by a delegation of around 60 representatives from business, culture and education, underscoring the UK government’s focus on economic cooperation and people-to-people links.
Starmer has said the visit is intended to deliver practical gains for the UK, particularly in areas related to trade, investment and cultural exchange. While acknowledging long-standing disagreements between the two countries, he has maintained that difficult issues, including human rights, must continue to be raised through dialogue.
Political analysts suggest the meeting signals a cautious shift in tone rather than a dramatic reset. Relations between London and Beijing have been marked by disagreements over security, political values and international alignment, making any rapid improvement unlikely. However, today’s talks are widely seen as an initial step toward easing diplomatic tensions.
Trade Gap Casts Shadow Over Economic Ties
China remains the UK’s third-largest trading partner, but the balance of trade heavily favours Beijing. Data from the UK Department for Business and Trade show that Britain’s trade deficit with China has widened to £42bn, twice the level recorded in 2019.
The growing gap reflects China’s broader export-driven performance. In 2025, Beijing reported the largest trade surplus in global history, fuelled by strong overseas demand outside the US market.
Britain imports large quantities of electronics, apparel and office equipment from China, while exporting items such as automobiles, pharmaceutical products and crude oil.
Human Rights and Regional Security in Focus
As the meeting between Starmer and Xi continues, observers are closely watching whether sensitive topics will be raised directly.
Associate Professor Chong Ja Ian of the National University of Singapore said the key issue is not whether concerns are mentioned, but how firmly they are presented.
Starmer also faces pressure at home over plans for a major Chinese embassy in central London, with critics warning it could pose security risks.
Experts say discussions may also touch on wider geopolitical issues, including Taiwan and the South China Sea, regions where rising tensions could have far-reaching global consequences.
