Resetting UK-China Relations: Keir Starmer Meets Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is currently conducting a historic diplomatic mission to Beijing, representing the first visit by a British Prime Minister to the People's Republic of China in eight years. The last such visit occurred in 2018, when Theresa May traveled to the country. This high-profile engagement signals a major effort by the current UK administration to recalibrate its relationship with the world's second-largest economy after nearly a decade of cooling ties and diplomatic distance.

The centerpiece of the visit was a high-level meeting with President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People. The bilateral talks lasted approximately 80 minutes and were supplemented by a joint lunch, providing ample time for the leaders to discuss the future of the UK-China corridor. Starmer characterized the dialogue as an attempt to stabilize relations, suggesting that the partnership is now moving toward a "good, strong path" after a period of significant friction. For his part, President Xi acknowledged that the relationship had faced various "twists and turns" in the past but signaled a willingness to establish a "long-term and consistent strategic partnership" with the United Kingdom.

Economic cooperation emerged as a primary theme, with tangible progress made on trade and migration policies. One of the most significant breakthroughs involved the reduction of import tariffs on Scotch whisky. This development is particularly vital for the spirits industry as it prepares for a forecasted period of overproduction in 2026. Additionally, the two leaders discussed the implementation of a unilateral visa-free travel policy for British nationals. Beijing indicated that it would actively review this proposal; currently, such visa-free access is granted to citizens of 45 countries through December 31, 2026.

Security cooperation also saw a breakthrough, specifically regarding the global challenge of irregular migration. The UK and China agreed to work together to disrupt the supply chains of components used in the construction of small boats, which are frequently utilized by human traffickers for illegal crossings. The necessity of this cooperation is backed by recent enforcement data, which revealed that more than 60% of the outboard motors seized in illegal crossing operations over the past year were manufactured in China.

The Prime Minister's itinerary, which also features a stop in the financial hub of Shanghai, is designed to create a framework for deeper engagement in sectors that the Labour government has identified as essential for national growth. These priority areas include:

• The transition to green energy and the development of renewable technologies.
• The expansion of the pharmaceutical industry and life sciences research.
• The strengthening of bilateral ties in the financial services sector.

While the mission was heavily focused on economic stabilization, Starmer also addressed highly sensitive political matters. He specifically raised the case of Jimmy Lai, the British-Hong Kong media tycoon who was convicted in December 2025 on charges related to national security. Starmer described the discussion surrounding this delicate issue as "respectful," reflecting a pragmatic approach to diplomacy that allows for the expression of concerns while maintaining a functional working relationship. This maneuver is seen as a response to the current climate of global geopolitical volatility, where Starmer believes a stable relationship with Beijing is in Britain's best interest.

From the Chinese perspective, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun emphasized that Beijing views the visit as a crucial chance to bolster political trust between two permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. Despite some domestic criticism within the UK regarding the rapprochement, London continues to pursue a policy of rebuilding investment links. This commitment was recently demonstrated by the approval of a plan to construct a major new Chinese embassy in London. Ultimately, Starmer’s visit marks the beginning of a new chapter in the UK-China relationship, one rooted in economic realism and strategic pragmatism.