Starmer and Xi agree to pursue a 'strategic partnership' as UK pushes for economic wins
Keir Starmer and Xi Jinping met in Beijing to reset ties, with progress on whisky tariffs and talks about Jimmy Lai. The trip balances trade aims with security and human rights concerns.
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By Torontoer Staff
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Beijing on Thursday and signalled a reset in bilateral relations, with both leaders saying they would work toward a long-term strategic partnership. Starmer framed the visit around economic opportunity and stable engagement, while Xi acknowledged recent strains and offered cooperation that he said would benefit both countries and the world.
The meeting produced early, tangible outcomes on trade and travel, and included a candid exchange about the case of Jimmy Lai, the Hong Kong media publisher and British citizen who is awaiting sentencing on national security charges.
What the leaders said
Speaking in Beijing, Starmer emphasised a pragmatic approach. “China is a vital player on the global stage, and it’s vital that we build a more sophisticated relationship where we can identify opportunities to collaborate, but, of course, also allow a meaningful dialogue on areas where we disagree,” he said.
Xi noted that relations had gone through “twists and turns” in recent years, and said China was “willing to develop a long-term, stable and comprehensive strategic partnership with Britain, which will benefit the people of both countries and also the world.”
Early agreements and business priorities
Starmer travelled with a delegation of more than 50 business leaders, signalling the economic focus of the trip. After meetings with Chinese officials he described discussions as “very good, productive,” and cited progress on several fronts.
- Moves toward resolving tariff issues affecting Scotch whisky exports
- Talks on visa-free travel arrangements with China
- Agreements on information exchange and co-operation related to irregular migration, including small boats and engine parts
Human rights and the Jimmy Lai case
Starmer told reporters he had a “respectful discussion” with Xi about Jimmy Lai. The subject remains politically sensitive in the U.K., where pressure is growing on the prime minister to secure the release or leniency for the former Apple Daily publisher, who holds British citizenship.
We made some really good progress on tariffs for whisky, on visa-free travel to China, and on information exchange and co-operation on irregular migration, focusing particularly on small boats and engine parts.
Keir Starmer
Domestic politics and international positioning
Starmer arrives in Beijing under political strain at home, where his approval ratings are weak despite a commanding parliamentary majority. He is seeking economic wins that could help revive public support, yet he must manage scepticism from the political right and human rights advocates who want tougher stances on China.
Starmer has argued for a consistent, strategic relationship with China rather than one that alternates between warm and cold periods. He told reporters he would not choose between allies. “I’m often invited to simply choose between countries. I don’t do that,” he said, reflecting a diplomatic line intended to keep channels open with both China and Washington.
How allies are reacting and what comes next
European countries and other U.S. allies have recently taken steps to repair ties with Beijing after a period of tension. Britain’s approach will be watched closely in Ottawa, Washington and across Europe as governments balance trade, security and human rights concerns.
Starmer’s team will now work to convert the visit’s early agreements into formal protocols or trade measures, while maintaining parliamentary and public scrutiny at home. Any substantive follow-through on visas or tariff relief will require further negotiation and technical arrangements.
Bottom line
Thursday’s meetings mark a cautious move toward normalisation between London and Beijing, framed around economic opportunity and managed diplomatic engagement. Progress on whisky tariffs and migration co-operation offers concrete outcomes, but unresolved human rights issues, including the Jimmy Lai case, will continue to complicate the relationship and shape public debate in the U.K.
Keir StarmerXi JinpingChina-UK relationstradeJimmy Lai
