Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has arrived in China for a three-day visit - the first by a British prime minister in eight years. Sir Keir is seeking to strengthen trading and cultural ties between the two nations after years of acrimony.
However, he has faced criticism from opponents at home over the risk posed by China to the UK's national security and Xi Jinping's human rights record. The PM, who will meet President Xi on Thursday, said the trip will bring benefits to the UK and it is important to maintain a 'strategic and consistent relationship' with the world’s second-largest economy.
As he touched down in Beijing, Sir Keir was welcomed by Chinese government officials and presented with a bouquet of flowers, with Union flags visible in Tiananmen Square. Addressing the 60 British business leaders accompanying him, he emphasized the historical significance of their delegation and reiterated the importance of being outward-looking in pursuing opportunities.
Despite his optimism, the visit has put Sir Keir in a politically precarious position, as he navigates between the need for robust trade relations with China and the concerns regarding its human rights practices and national security threats posed to the UK.
Critics, including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, have vocally opposed the trip, expressing concerns that it may compromise UK security interests, particularly following the approval of controversial plans for a Chinese mega-embassy in London. This visit marks a significant moment for Starmer as he seeks to balance engaging with China while maintaining strategic ties with the United States amidst ongoing tensions between the two superpowers.
Sir Keir declined to disclose specifics of what he plans to discuss with Chinese leaders but stressed the importance of dialogue to address disagreements while progressing on mutual interests.
