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UK : British Prime Minister Keir Starmer held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday, marking a significant moment in the relationship between the two countries. Chinese state media confirmed the meeting, which comes as London looks to strengthen economic ties with Beijing while navigating a complex global political environment.

First Meeting Since G20 in Brazil

The encounter was the first face-to-face meeting between Starmer and Xi since November 2024, when they briefly spoke on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Brazil. This visit, however, represents a more substantive diplomatic engagement, with scheduled discussions covering trade, investment and broader bilateral cooperation.

Focus on Delivering Economic Gains

Starmer arrived in China on Wednesday, beginning a four-day official visit that runs until Saturday. Posting on social media upon arrival, he said the trip was aimed at “delivering for the British people,” signalling a strong focus on economic outcomes. He is accompanied by senior government ministers and executives from more than 50 leading British companies.

Business Delegation Signals Confidence

Chinese newspaper Global Times reported that several UK firms participating in the delegation expressed optimism about China’s long-term economic outlook. According to the report, business leaders reiterated their commitment to maintaining and expanding investments in the Chinese market, despite ongoing global economic uncertainty.

High-Level Talks on Trade and Investment

During the visit, Starmer is expected to meet not only President Xi but also Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, chairman of China’s top legislative body. Officials on both sides have framed the talks as an opportunity to rebuild political trust and deepen economic engagement, with trade and two-way investment at the centre of discussions.

Longstanding Commercial Ties Highlighted

Bill Winters, group chief executive of Standard Chartered and a member of the UK business delegation, said the trip could help unlock further growth opportunities. He noted that the bank, which has operated in China for 168 years, continues to see strong potential in the Chinese economy and is expanding its presence in the country.

Trade Figures Underscore Scale of Relationship

According to data from China’s Ministry of Commerce, trade in goods between the UK and China reached 103.7 billion US dollars in 2025. Trade in services was estimated at more than 30 billion dollars, while total two-way investment stock stood at close to 68 billion dollars, underlining the depth of economic ties.

Economic Growth Boosts Investor Confidence

China’s National Bureau of Statistics reported that the country’s economy grew by 5 percent in 2025, reaching a record size of 140.19 trillion yuan, equivalent to about 20.01 trillion US dollars. This performance has helped sustain confidence among British firms operating in China, Global Times said.

British Firms Reinforce Long-Term Commitments

Fu Yue, head of corporate affairs for the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong at British consumer health company Haleon, told Global Times that the company’s confidence in the Chinese market remains strong. He pointed to Haleon’s full acquisition of its Tianjin joint venture and expanded production plans in Suzhou as evidence of its long-term strategy.

Strategic Value Beyond Economics

Jack Perry Junior, chairman of the 48 Group Club and chief executive of London Export Corp, described China as an increasingly stabilising force in the global economy. He highlighted the country’s advances in areas such as robotics, automation and clean technologies as key factors attracting international partners.

Political and Security Concerns Persist

Despite the economic focus, the visit has faced criticism at home. Some UK lawmakers and commentators have raised national security concerns, particularly following government approval of a large new Chinese embassy in London. The issue has sparked debate over espionage risks and foreign influence, according to CNN.

Balancing Act Amid Global Tensions

Starmer’s outreach to Beijing also comes against a backdrop of strained relations with the United States. With Washington adopting a more confrontational trade stance, some analysts view the UK’s engagement with China as part of a wider effort by Western countries to diversify partnerships while managing sensitive issues such as human rights and geopolitical security.