UK Prime minister Keir Starmer has moved to ease relations with China, signalling openness to a future UK visit by Xi Jinping and prompting an immediate backlash from critics of Beijing.
On the first trip by a British prime minister to China in eight years, Starmer said discussions with Xi had strengthened bilateral ties after what he called a prolonged “ice age.”
The government highlighted outcomes such as a visa waiver, reduced whisky tariffs and new economic agreements, even as concerns grew at home about the implications of closer engagement.
Starmer insisted the UK would stay “clear-eyed and realistic” about security risks posed by China, including espionage allegations, alleged security risks at China’s new mega embassy in London, and sanctions on British politicians. His spokesperson said resetting relations was beneficial for British people and businesses, adding that the Beijing visit was not a one-off meeting.
The trip marks a significant shift after years of strained relations under Conservative governments and amid doubts over the US as a reliable trading partner. However, inviting Xi to the UK would be politically difficult while sanctions on MPs remain and Chinese diplomats are barred from parliament.
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