Starmer, Xi meeting, Focuses on rebuilding economic links - UK seeks "sophisticated relationship" ties

Reuters reported that UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer met with Chinese President ,Xi Jinping in Beijing on January 28, 2026. This visit, the first since 2018, focused on a variety of topics such as economy, trade, investment, and national security, as US allies and China strengthen connections.

In three-hour talks, Stamer stated that China is a key player on the global stage and that it is essential for the UK to develop a more “sophisticated relationship” that will provide greater market access and further cooperation on freetrade, investment, and technology agreements between the two countries.

Photo: Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks to members of a business delegation during his visit to China, in Beijing, China, January, 28, 2026. Carl Court/Pool/ REUTERS

In addition, 50 business leaders accompanied   on his visit to China, highlighting the ongoing strengthening of economic ties. Stamer described the meeting as a warm welcome that produced significant outcomes.China agreed to 30 days' visa-free access for Britons   and lower import on Scotch whisky from 10% to 5%, marking another economic victory in increasing exports of the UK's most valuable commodity. However, the two countries remain in disagreement on human rights.

Meanwhile, Xi remarked that previous relations between China and the UK have been riddled with difficulties and twists and turns that have harmed both countries. China is look forward to build long-term collaboration.

However, Starmer's visit to China comes at an occasion when tensions between the UK and the US are high, as a result of US President Donald Trump's threats to take control of Greenland and impose tariffs on the UK and other allies, which have strained the two countries' long-standing relations.

SOURCE: REUTERS

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