Keir Starmer opens door to UK visit by Xi Jinping after bilateral talks

"Keir Starmer has taken a major step towards rapprochement with China, opening the door to a UK visit from Xi Jinping in a move that drew immediate anger from British critics of Beijing. During the first visit by a British prime minister to China in eight years a period which Starmer described as an ice age he said talks with the Chinese president had left the bilateral relationship in a stronger place."

"While travelling to Beijing, Starmer had said the UK government would remain clear-eyed and realistic about national security threats from China, despite Beijing's espionage activities in the UK and imposition of sanctions on British MPs. But, asked whether Starmer would like Xi to visit the UK, his official spokesperson said: The prime minister has been clear that a reset relationship with China, that it's no longer in an ice age, is beneficial to British people and British business."

Keir Starmer moved to improve ties with China and opened the possibility of a UK visit by Xi Jinping after the first British prime ministerial trip to China in eight years. Talks were described as leaving the bilateral relationship stronger and produced outcomes including a visa waiver, reduced whisky tariffs and economic cooperation agreements. Domestic concern grew over a return trip because China imposed sanctions on nine Britons in 2021 and Chinese diplomats remain banned from parliament after a spying row. The government said progress had been made on sanctions while avoiding promises on future engagements.

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