Starmer Visits China as Labour Faces Internal Disputes

Keir Starmer’s official visit to China comes as the Labour Party addresses internal tensions over candidate selection and party strategy. The trip marks the first time in eight years that a UK prime minister has travelled to China for formal meetings.

Starmer began a five-day diplomatic trip that includes meetings in Beijing and a scheduled stop in Japan. During the journey, he stated he would focus on both economic relations and national security concerns in discussions with Chinese officials.

While en route to Beijing, Starmer declined to discuss specific human rights topics in advance, including issues related to the Uyghurs and Jimmy Lai. He indicated he would provide a summary of his discussions after the meetings had taken place.

Starmer stated that he planned to raise human rights concerns directly with Xi Jinping during his visit. He also emphasised the importance of remaining “clear-eyed and realistic” about national security risks from China while seeking to enhance economic cooperation.

What the numbers show

• Starmer’s visit is the first by a UK prime minister to China in eight years
• The Labour Party’s National Executive Committee blocked Andy Burnham’s by-election bid in January 2026
• Starmer’s trip to China is scheduled for five days, with meetings in Beijing and Japan

Amid international engagement, the Labour Party’s internal processes have also drawn attention. The party’s National Executive Committee, which includes Starmer, blocked Andy Burnham from standing as a candidate in the Gorton and Denton by-election.

Starmer stated that he had not informed Burnham in advance of the decision regarding his candidacy. He also praised Burnham’s work as mayor, according to statements made during the same period.

In response to questions about the decision, Starmer defended the move by highlighting that it would prevent a costly mayoral by-election in Manchester. He said this approach would allow the party to concentrate resources on other key electoral contests.

Starmer’s visit and the Labour Party’s internal decisions have taken place concurrently, drawing attention to both international policy and party management. The outcomes of the diplomatic meetings and party strategies are expected to be detailed in subsequent official statements.

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