UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is travelling to China for a three day visit, becoming the first UK prime minister to visit the country since 2018, as his government seeks to reset relations with Beijing.
Starmer is flying with around 60 British business and cultural leaders and is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, with discussions focused on strengthening trade ties and rebuilding diplomatic engagement.
Speaking to reporters onboard the flight to Beijing, Starmer said he wanted “a comprehensive and consistent approach to China”, arguing that UK policy should not swing “from golden age to ice age”.
The visit marks a significant moment in the government’s efforts to deepen its relationship with China, after years of strained ties over security, human rights, and trade.
Starmer has previously described Beijing as posing a “national security threat” to the UK, and he is expected to raise human rights concerns during his meetings, though he declined to outline specific issues ahead of the talks.
“I’ve always raised issues that need to be raised,” he told reporters.
The prime minister’s visit comes as the UK seeks to balance economic cooperation with security considerations, amid growing scrutiny of China’s global influence.
According to the BBC’s political editor Chris Mason, the trip represents the most important point so far in the government’s attempt to recalibrate and stabilise relations with China.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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