₦airaland Forum

The leaders of Britain and China called Thursday for a "comprehensive strategic partnership" to deepen ties between their nations at a time of growing global turbulence and uncertainty.

Neither Prime Minister Keir Starmer nor President Xi Jinping publicly mentioned Donald Trump, but the U.S. president's challenge to the post-Cold War order was clearly on their minds.

"I think that working together on issues like climate change, global stability during challenging times for the world is precisely what we should be doing as we build this relationship in the way that I've described," Starmer told Xi at the start of their meeting in Beijing.

The two met for 80 minutes — double the scheduled time — in the Great Hall of the People as their nations try to improve relations after several years of acrimony. Relations have deteriorated over allegations of Chinese spying in Britain, China's support for Russia in the Ukraine war and the crackdown on freedoms in Hong Kong, the former British colony that was returned to China in 1997. Starmer is the first British prime minister to visit in eight years.

Xi said that "China-U.K. relations experienced setbacks in previous years, which was not in the interests of either country."

"In the current turbulent and ever-changing international situation ... China and the U.K. need to strengthen dialogue and cooperation to maintain world peace and stability," he said.

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said Xi had stressed, without mentioning the U.S. directly, that "major powers" must adhere to international law or the world would regress into a "jungle."

Relationship is in 'a good place'

After the meeting, Starmer said the leaders had made "really good progress" on issues including slashing Chinese tariffs on Scotch whisky and introducing visa-free travel for British visitors.

"The relationship is in a good place, a strong place," the British leader said.

Xi appeared to acknowledge the criticism that Starmer has faced for reaching out to China despite national security and human rights concerns. The U.K. recently approved controversial plans for a huge Chinese Embassy in London, removing a sticking point in relations but also overriding fears that the "mega-embassy" would make it easier for China to conduct espionage and intimidate dissidents.

"Good things often come with difficulties," Xi said. "As long as it is the right thing to do in accordance with the fundamental interests of the country and its people, leaders will not shy away from difficulties and will forge ahead bravely."

Starmer's visit comes less than two months after a Hong Kong court convicted Jimmy Lai, a former newspaper publisher and British citizen, under a national security law that Beijing imposed on the territory after massive pro-democracy protests in 2019.

Starmer said he raised human rights issues with Xi and the two men had a "respectful discussion."

Starmer, who was elected in July 2024, has said he will protect national security while keeping up diplomatic dialogue and economic cooperation with China. He told Xi that it has "been far too long" since a U.K. prime minister visited.

"I made a promise 18 months ago when we were elected into government, that I would make Britain face outward again," the leader of the center-left Labour Party said. "Because as we all know, events abroad affect everything that happens back in our home countries, from prices on the supermarket shelves to how secure we feel."

Starmer's government has struggled to deliver the economic growth it promised and ease a cost-of-living crisis for millions of households and he sees China as a potential source of growth.

More than 50 U.K. business executives have joined him on the trip, along with the leaders of major cultural organizations, as he seeks to expand opportunities for British companies in China and secure Chinese investment in the U.K.

Trump tariffs spur new trade talks

The disruption to global trade under Trump has made expanding trade and investment more imperative for many governments. Vietnam and the European Union upgraded ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership Thursday, two days after the EU and India announced a free trade accord.

"At a moment when the international rules-based order is under threat from multiple sides, we need to stand side by side as reliable and predictable partners," European Council President Antonio Costa said in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Starmer is the fourth leader of a U.S. ally to visit Beijing this month, following those of South Korea, Canada and Finland. The German chancellor is expected to visit next month.

The U.K. leader earlier Thursday met Zhao Leji, the chairman of China's legislature, the National People's Congress. The two countries were expected to sign a number of agreements later in the day.

One will try to disrupt the trade in Chinese boat engines used by smugglers to bring people across the English Channel to Britain. More than half the engines come from China, the British government said. Under the agreement, U.K law enforcement agencies will work with Chinese authorities and manufacturers to prevent engines from ending up in the hands of criminal gangs.

Originality007:
Good bless America. Even you Uk knows they have no best friend than America. All this is to taunt Trump. And Trump no send thier papa.

EKONGKING:
Future of the world in this century will be in Asia led by China and India .

Nigeria under Tinubu is slowly being recognised for its strength , Tinubu invitation to G20 in India by Modi is a real game changer .

Add to African union being recognised as permanent member of G20 like EU in India summit .

Time for Big daddy of Africa and AU to step on the big stage , the Asian super powers know our collective worth .

I know US and Trump will get screwed when Obidients are hyping them , the worst thing for anybody is these people hyping u which will lead ur downfall .

Expect Trump impeachment in next 1 year .

God1000:
US strategy in the last 20 years was to isolate and contain China. It looks like the US is the one being isolated and contained.


The post-american world is already taking shape

udemzyudex:
Lol.. You and i know that this is not something serious.

Johncarlo07:
Ml

Maybe ur d unserious one.
Over 30 British conglomerate went wit him on dat trip. And dey signed different deals wit Chinese companies.

Dey here dey look for wats nt crious.

Guyman02:
They will come to Africa and ask us not to do business with China but see them rushing shamelessly to lick China butt because Trump gave them the middle finger

kullozone:
I dislike Starmer so much.
China wants to ally itself with someone who has destroyed the UK... They don't realize the damage Starmer has done to the UK already

EvangelistChuks:
Both of the leaders know that they are only doing photo ops for the US knowing that nothing ever concrete or tangible will come forth. UK trying to make US jealous.