Starmer Becomes First UK Prime Minister Since 2018 to Visit Beijing

Keir Starmer’s official trip to China marks the first visit to Beijing by a British prime minister since Theresa May in 2018. The visit involves meetings with Chinese leaders and a delegation of UK business representatives.

The three-day visit includes discussions in both Beijing and Shanghai. Starmer is joined by Business Secretary Peter Kyle and dozens of business leaders and officials, aiming to strengthen ties between the two countries.

During the trip, Starmer is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. The delegation features representatives from a range of sectors, including finance, pharmaceuticals, automotive, and the arts.

According to statements from the UK government, the visit is intended to reset diplomatic and economic relations with China. The approach seeks to balance national security considerations with opportunities for economic cooperation.

What the numbers show

• This is the first UK prime ministerial visit to Beijing since 2018
• The UK delegation includes around 60 businesses and cultural organisations
• The visit spans three days, covering meetings in Beijing and Shanghai

Starmer stated that “China matters” for the UK and highlighted the importance of maintaining a pragmatic and consistent relationship, even when there are disagreements. He also pledged to remain “clear-eyed and realistic” regarding national security threats while pursuing economic engagement with China.

Britain and China plan to revive the “UK-China CEO Council” business dialogue, which was originally launched in 2018 under Theresa May’s leadership. The council is expected to provide a forum for business leaders from both countries to discuss cooperation.

Companies expected to participate in the CEO Council include AstraZeneca, BP, HSBC, Intercontinental Hotels Group, Jaguar Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Schroders, and Standard Chartered. The delegation also features cultural organisations such as the National Theatre.

The visit reflects ongoing efforts to engage with China on both economic and diplomatic fronts, while maintaining a focus on national security as stated by the UK government.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.