Keir Starmer recently met with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the G20 summit in Rio to discuss various concerns, including sanctions on British MPs and the situation of Jimmy Lai, a democracy activist from Hong Kong. The UK prime minister emphasized the importance of a strong UK-China relationship and expressed a desire for more predictable and respectful relations between the two countries.
During the meeting, Starmer raised human rights issues, such as sanctions on Conservative MPs and the deteriorating condition of Jimmy Lai. He proposed a full bilateral meeting with Premier Li in Beijing or London and suggested that the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, meet with her Chinese counterpart for economic discussions in January.
Xi Jinping acknowledged the efforts of the UK government to improve its economy and rebuild the country, expressing a willingness to “break new ground” in the relationship. The Chinese president recognized the turbulent global environment and highlighted China’s ongoing reform efforts.
British officials, including Tom Tugendhat and Alicia Kearns, had urged Starmer to address the plight of UK nationals like Jimmy Lai during the meeting with Xi. This encounter marked the first time a British prime minister had met with Xi in six years, signaling a potential shift in UK-China relations.
Despite previous tensions between the two countries due to cyber threats, human rights issues, and sanctions, the new Labour government under Starmer and Reeves is prioritizing a renewal of ties with China. This strategic approach recognizes the economic opportunities that China presents and the importance of fostering better terms for growth and development.
Overall, the meeting between Starmer and Xi at the G20 summit reflects a diplomatic effort to improve relations and address key concerns, signaling a potential thaw in UK-China relations moving forward. The engagement between the two leaders sets the stage for future economic and political discussions aimed at strengthening ties between the UK and China.
