China and UK Discuss Strategic Partnership, Trade, and Global Stability in Beijing

Britain and China agreed to pursue closer ties as Prime Minister Keir Starmer met President Xi Jinping in Beijing, with both leaders calling for a strategic partnership, according to The Associated Press on January 29.

Starmer told Xi that working together on issues including climate change and global stability was central to building the relationship, while the talks at the Great Hall of the People  lasted about 80 minutes.

Xi said China-UK ties had seen “twists and turns” in recent years and urged stronger dialogue and cooperation to support peace and stability in a “turbulent and ever-changing” international environment.

After the meeting, Starmer said the sides had made “really good progress” on items including reducing Chinese tariffs on Scotch whisky and steps toward easier travel for Britons, adding that the relationship was “in a good place,” according to AP.

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Starmer said he raised human rights with Xi and described the exchange as “respectful,” AP added, noting his trip came as Britain has also faced domestic debate over its approach to China.

Starmer has argued Britain should combine engagement with protecting national security, and AP said more than 50 business executives and cultural leaders joined the visit as London sought expanded market access and investment, including a $15 billion AstraZeneca plan in China through 2030.

At the same time, it was reported that Ukraine and the UK successfully test OCTOPUS interceptor drones for air defense, illustrating growing UK‑Ukraine military cooperation that forms part of Britain’s broader strategic partnerships, albeit not directly with China.

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