Xi Calls for UK and China to Rise Above Differences as Starmer Pushes for Stronger Ties

According to Rokna, citing The Guardian, speaking ahead of talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during the first visit by a UK prime minister to China in eight years, Xi said the two leaders could “withstand the test of history” if they were able to “move beyond differences.”

During the meeting at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, Xi also appeared to criticise Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, who has publicly questioned Starmer’s decision to travel to China.

Concerns have been raised across the UK political spectrum about alleged Chinese espionage activities, with the British delegation reportedly using temporary mobile phones during the visit, as well as about Beijing’s human rights record.

Despite this, Starmer said at the start of the trip that he aimed to restore “stability and clarity” to bilateral relations after years of what he described as inconsistency under previous Conservative governments, when ties shifted from a “golden era” to a period of deep freeze.

In his opening remarks, Xi told Starmer that the visit had attracted widespread attention, adding that progress sometimes requires patience. He said leaders should not avoid challenges when acting in the fundamental interests of their nations and peoples.

“If we maintain a broad vision, rise above our differences and respect one another, we will show that we can endure the test of history,” Xi said, citing a Chinese proverb about looking far into the distance.

He acknowledged that relations between London and Beijing had faced repeated challenges over the years, noting that such instability had benefited neither country.

Against the backdrop of global tensions — including Donald Trump’s ambitions regarding Greenland, rising friction with Iran and the ongoing war in Ukraine — Xi argued that cooperation between China and the UK was essential to preserving global peace.

On the eve of the visit, Starmer spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and is expected to seek China’s support in efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine.

Describing the international environment as “volatile and uncertain,” Xi said increased dialogue between the two countries was necessary, whether for global stability or for the prosperity of their economies and citizens.

In response, Starmer told Xi he wanted to develop a “more advanced and mature” relationship with China, calling Beijing a crucial global actor.

He emphasised the economic importance of improved ties, saying his visit was guided by the interests of the British public. He recalled pledging after taking office to re-engage Britain with the wider world, noting that international developments affect everything from household prices to national security.

Xi also praised previous Labour governments led by Tony Blair and Gordon Brown for their constructive role in strengthening bilateral relations. He said China was ready to pursue a long-term and stable strategic partnership with the UK that would benefit both nations.

The two leaders held private talks lasting one hour and 20 minutes, nearly twice the scheduled time.

Referring to the upcoming lunar new year, Xi described Starmer’s visit as a positive and auspicious sign.

Earlier in the day, Starmer met Zhao Leji, chairman of China’s National People’s Congress, who said it was important to manage UK-China relations effectively amid a rapidly changing and unsettled global landscape.

Zhao praised Starmer’s efforts to improve ties, saying relations were now moving in the right direction and that positive progress had been achieved.

Calling the trip historic, Starmer noted it was the first such visit by a British prime minister in eight years. He said the journey reflected a long-held belief that constructive cooperation served the shared interests of both countries.

Starmer concluded by saying he looked forward to several productive days of discussions on global security, economic growth and common challenges such as climate change.