KEIR STARMER is set to become the first British prime minister in six years to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking a potential shift in UK-China relations. Starmer aims to establish what he calls a “pragmatic and serious relationship” with Beijing, as he seeks to balance economic opportunities with political challenges.
The meeting, scheduled for Monday at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, reflects a broader strategy by Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves to re-engage with the world’s second-largest economy. They argue that fostering better relations with China is essential for the UK’s economic growth.
However, this approach has sparked criticism from human rights advocates and political figures. Concerns include China’s record on civil liberties, cyber threats, and its treatment of British nationals such as Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy media owner detained in Hong Kong.
Senior Conservative MPs, including Tom Tugendhat and Alicia Kearns, have urged Starmer to use the meeting to advocate for Lai’s release and address threats against British citizens. Tugendhat said: “Jimmy Lai – a British citizen – is facing a sham trial in Hong Kong. Starmer must stand firm against Beijing’s authoritarian regime and defend British interests.”
Kearns echoed these sentiments, criticizing the absence of specific demands for Lai’s release in Starmer’s remarks. “British interests are achieved by being clear and assertive, not by sidestepping critical issues,” she said.
The planned bilateral meeting signals a renewed effort by the UK to rebuild ties with China, following years of strained relations under Conservative leadership. The last face-to-face meeting between a British prime minister and Xi was in 2018, when Theresa May visited Beijing during Brexit negotiations. Relations have since cooled due to security concerns, the crackdown in Hong Kong, and Chinese sanctions on British MPs.
Starmer’s approach contrasts with that of his predecessor, Rishi Sunak, who sought a similar meeting at the 2022 G20 summit, only for it to be cancelled amid developments in Ukraine. Sunak’s government had considered formally labeling China a threat to British security, a stance Starmer appears to be moving away from.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s recent visit to China and Reeves’s upcoming trip to Beijing in January further underscore Labour’s intent to rebuild ties with China. Reeves is expected to spearhead efforts to explore new economic opportunities with Beijing.
Speaking ahead of the summit, Starmer highlighted the importance of engaging with global powers, despite ideological differences. “It’s in the UK’s best interests to build strong partnerships where possible and be candid where we disagree,” he said.
Starmer emphasized the economic significance of China, describing it as one of the UK’s largest trading partners and a key player in global affairs. “We are both permanent members of the UN Security Council and the G20. Serious, pragmatic discussions are vital,” he said.
The prime minister’s trip also seeks to strengthen relations with Latin American economies. Starmer sees common ground with Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on issues such as green energy and workers’ rights, while navigating divisions over climate and taxation with other leaders.
Starmer has faced domestic criticism for his frequent international travel since taking office. This trip, spanning four days, marks the first visit by a British prime minister to Brazil in over a decade. Defending his schedule, Starmer said: “My top priority is growing our economy and attracting inward investment. The G20 is a vital platform to achieve that.”
Despite the challenges of navigating a divided G20, Starmer remains optimistic. “We’re engaging with the world’s largest economies, and I’ll use this opportunity to advance the UK’s interests,” he said.
With economic ambitions at the forefront, Starmer’s meeting with Xi could redefine the UK’s relationship with China, but it remains to be seen whether his pragmatic approach can reconcile the competing demands of economic growth and human rights advocacy.
