British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday (January 29), calling for a more “sophisticated relationship” with China aimed at boosting economic growth and global security. The 80-minute summit at the Great Hall of the People marked the first visit by a British prime minister in eight years and signals a clear shift from years of strained relations.

Starmer said Britain wanted pragmatic engagement with Beijing while maintaining open dialogue on areas of disagreement, including human rights. Xi responded that China–UK relations had seen “twists and turns” and said Beijing was ready to build a long-term strategic partnership that could “withstand the test of history.”

The visit comes as Western governments recalibrate ties with China amid uncertainty over U.S. policy under President Donald Trump. According to Reuters, Starmer is accompanied by more than 50 business leaders and is expected to announce several trade and investment-related agreements to underline improved bilateral relations.

London and Beijing are also set to cooperate on combating migrant smuggling, including intelligence sharing to disrupt criminal networks and limit the misuse of Chinese-made boat engines used for illegal crossings into Europe.

Despite criticism from Britain’s opposition, which cited security risks and alleged Chinese espionage, Starmer said engagement was necessary in an interconnected world and confirmed he would raise human rights concerns, including the case of jailed Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai, during talks with Chinese leaders.

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