UK’s Starmer Seeks Fresh Start With Beijing After Years of Strained Ties

The visit — the first by a British prime minister in eight years — underscores Labour’s push to revive economic growth and engage the world’s second-largest economy, even as concerns over espionage and civil liberties persist. Xi welcomed the move, saying China was ready to build a long-term strategic partnership after years of “twists and turns.”

Starmer’s diplomacy comes amid global uncertainty driven by erratic U.S. trade policies, prompting Western leaders to hedge by strengthening ties with Beijing. Economic priorities dominated the trip, with business leaders in tow and expectations of new bilateral deals, including cooperation to combat human trafficking networks.