China, UK Agree to Deepen Cooperation to Counter Geopolitical Headwinds

Chinese President Xi Jinping met British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Beijing on Thursday, with both leaders calling for stronger bilateral ties amid an increasingly uncertain global environment.

Starmer, who arrived in China on Wednesday, described China as a “vital player on the global stage” and said the visit aimed to identify opportunities that would benefit the UK while allowing for open dialogue on areas of disagreement.

The trip marks the first visit by a British prime minister to China since 2018 and comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, including disputes over US trade policy and growing strains among Western allies.

Starmer is accompanied by around 60 representatives from business, academic and cultural sectors.

Opening the meeting, Xi said China-UK relations had experienced “twists and turns” that served neither country’s interests. He said Beijing was ready to develop a long-term, stable and comprehensive strategic partnership with London.

Describing the global situation as “turbulent and fluid,” Xi stressed that increased dialogue and cooperation were essential, both for global peace and stability and for the economic well-being of both nations. He urged the two sides to strengthen ties to counter geopolitical headwinds.

“China will never pose a threat to other countries, no matter how it grows and develops,” Xi said, adding that China had never initiated a war or occupied foreign territory.

According to China’s state news agency Xinhua, both sides agreed to pursue a long-term, stable and comprehensive strategic partnership.

Starmer said it was “strongly in our common interest to find positive ways to work together,” noting the importance of cooperation on issues such as climate change, global stability and economic growth.

He said the UK was seeking a “more sophisticated relationship” with China—one that balances collaboration with frank discussions where differences exist.

Calling the visit historic, Starmer said he looked forward to productive talks on global security, shared challenges and growth. He last met Xi in Brazil in November 2024.

Before meeting Xi, Starmer was received by Zhao Leji, chairman of China’s National People’s Congress, at the Great Hall of the People. He is scheduled to visit Shanghai on Friday before traveling to Tokyo for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

China and the UK established diplomatic relations in 1950 and upgraded ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2004. Bilateral trade reached $98.36 billion in 2024, supported by multiple high-level dialogue mechanisms.