- UK wants ‘consistent, lasting and respectful’ relations: Starmer
- Xi says China and the UK have “wide scope for cooperation.”
- Hints at the tense nature of relations between Western countries and China.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised the importance of the “strong relationship between the UK and China” as he confronted Chinese President Xi Jinping over several controversial issues when the pair met on Monday at the G20 summit in Brazil.
In the first bilateral meeting between a British prime minister and the Chinese leader since February 2018, Starmer told Xi that the UK wants “consistent, durable and respectful” bilateral relations.
But he also warned that London was “committed to the rule of law,” referring to the various disputes that have strained relations in recent years.
These include the case of British citizen Jimmy Lai, the media mogul and pro-democracy activist imprisoned in Hong Kong, whose case Starmer raised directly with Xi.
In turn, the Chinese leader told Starmer, who took power in July, that the two countries have “wide scope for cooperation,” according to Chinese official media.
“China and Britain should adhere to their strategic partnership and open new horizons for China-UK relations,” Xi said.
However, he also hinted at the tense nature of relations between Western countries and China – Russia’s main ally in its war in Ukraine – as US President-elect Donald Trump’s second term approaches.
Trump is expected to once again pursue a tough policy towards Beijing.
“The world is currently entering a new period of turmoil and change,” Xi told Starmer, adding that their countries “have the important task of… responding to global challenges.”
Xi also met on Monday with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and praised the “positive progress” in relations, according to Chinese state media, after tensions in recent years.
“Avoid surprises”
The leaders of Britain and China last met for in-person bilateral talks nearly seven years ago, when former Prime Minister Theresa May traveled to Beijing to try to boost trade as Britain’s exit from the European Union approached.
Relations have deteriorated since then, particularly over UK criticism that special freedoms guaranteed under Hong Kong’s mini-constitution have been eroded and China’s relations with Russia amid the Ukraine war.
Recent years have seen allegations of Chinese espionage and political interference in the UK, as well as alleged Beijing-backed cyberattacks, prompting some British lawmakers to call for a tougher stance against Beijing.
But Starmer sees an opportunity to reset the situation, as Britain explores all ways to promote steady economic growth.
“We want our relations… to avoid surprises wherever possible, and enhanced dialogue should provide a stronger understanding,” Starmer told Xi.
“A strong relationship between the UK and China is important for both our countries” and the wider international community, he said, promising that London would be a “predictable and consistent sovereign player”.
Starmer also suggested holding a full bilateral meeting in Beijing or London.
Downing Street later said the two ministers had agreed that Finance Minister Rachel Reeves would visit Beijing next year “to discuss economic and financial cooperation with her counterpart, Deputy Prime Minister He Lifeng”.
Jimmy Lai
As journalists were led out of the room, Starmer could be heard raising several contentious issues between the two capitals, including Ley.
The 76-year-old businessman and founder of the now-closed tabloid Apple Daily He is accused of collusion with foreign forces, which could lead to a life sentence.
On Wednesday, he will appear in a national security trial, speaking in court for the first time despite five previous trials in nearly four years.
The case centers on newspaper publications that supported massive, sometimes violent, pro-democracy protests in 2019 and criticized Beijing’s leadership.
Western countries, the United Nations and human rights groups have criticized the case as restricting freedom and urged Lai’s release, while concerns have been raised about his health.
“We are concerned by reports of Jimmy Lei’s deterioration and health in prison,” Starmer told Xi, while welcoming a meeting last month between Foreign Secretary David Lammy and his Chinese counterpart “to discuss their respective concerns.”
These issues include “human rights, parliamentary sanctions, Taiwan, the South China Sea and our shared interests in Hong Kong,” Starmer said.