BEIJING (Realist English). British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday, in a high-profile meeting aimed at reviving economic cooperation and easing years of mistrust between London and Beijing.
The meeting, scheduled to last around 40 minutes at the Great Hall of the People, will be followed by a working lunch. Starmer is also expected to meet Premier Li Qiang and China’s top legislator Zhao Leji on the same day, marking the most substantive phase of his four-day visit.
The trip — the first by a UK prime minister to China since 2018 — comes as Starmer’s Labour government looks to stimulate economic growth at home and diversify trade partnerships amid growing uncertainty in relations with the United States under President Donald Trump. Recent tensions, including Trump’s remarks about Greenland, have added urgency to London’s diplomatic outreach beyond Washington.
Starmer has made improving ties with China a core foreign policy objective, betting that a more pragmatic relationship with the world’s second-largest economy could unlock investment and commercial opportunities for British firms. More than 50 business leaders are accompanying him, underlining the economic focus of the visit.
Analysts expect both sides to announce a series of agreements to showcase progress. Kerry Brown, professor of Chinese studies at King’s College London, said the optics of success would matter. “Neither side wants a meeting dominated by disputes,” he said, adding that tangible deals would be key to demonstrating a reset.
China has also signalled readiness to turn the page. In an editorial published on Wednesday, state-run Xinhua News Agency described the relationship as being at a “pivotal moment” and said Beijing hoped the visit would strengthen political trust and deepen practical cooperation in the interests of global stability.
Since taking office, Starmer has shifted away from the more confrontational tone adopted by previous Conservative governments, which tightened restrictions on Chinese investment over security concerns and openly criticised Beijing’s policies in Hong Kong. Speaking to business leaders shortly after arriving in China, Starmer said it was time for a “mature” relationship based on realism and mutual benefit.
Downing Street said the visit would also deliver cooperation beyond trade. Britain and China are expected to announce joint efforts to tackle criminal networks involved in people-smuggling, including measures to curb the use of Chinese-made engines on small boats used to transport migrants across Europe. The initiative will involve intelligence-sharing and engagement with Chinese manufacturers to prevent abuse by organised crime.
Starmer has said he will not avoid sensitive issues. He told reporters he would raise human rights concerns with Xi, including the case of Jimmy Lai, the Hong Kong media tycoon and British citizen convicted on national security charges. However, officials acknowledge that the overriding priority of the visit is economic engagement.
“Everything we are doing here is about delivering benefits for people back home,” Starmer told the business delegation, signalling that economic pragmatism will define London’s approach as it seeks to stabilise and recalibrate its relationship with Beijing.
