China and UK deal to STOP small boats high on agenda as Starmer and Xi Jinping meet

Sir Keir Starmer told Xi Jinping he wanted a “more sophisticated” relationship with China as he met the president in Beijing.

The Prime Minister met Mr Xi at the Great Hall of the People on the first morning of his trip to China.

Telling Mr Xi it had been “too long” since a British prime minister visited the country, he said: “China is a vital player on the global stage and it is vital that we build a more sophisticated relationship.”

Stressing the economic benefits of an improved relationship with China, Sir Keir said: “It is with the British people in mind that I am here today.

“I made the promise 18 months ago when we were elected into government that I would make Britain face outwards again.

Xi Jinping said the UK-China relationship in recent years had seen “twists and turns that did not serve the interests of our countries” as he met Sir Keir Starmer.

Beginning his meeting with Sir Keir in Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, Mr Xi said: “China-UK relations went through some twists and turns that did not serve the interests of our countries.”

Describing the state of the world as “turbulent and fluid” Mr Xi said more dialogue between the UK and China was “imperative”, whether it was “for the sake of world peace and stability or for our two countries’ economies and peoples”.

He said: “In the past, Labour governments made important contributions to the growth of China-UK relations.”

He added: “China stands ready to develop with the UK a long-term and consistent strategic partnership. It will benefit our two peoples.”

Xi Jinping told Sir Keir Starmer the two men would “stand the test of history” if they could “rise above differences.

“Sometimes good things take time. As long as it is the right thing that serves the fundamental interests of the country and the people, then as leaders we should not shy away from difficulties and we should press ahead fortitude.”

The president quoted a Chinese proverb: “Range far your eye over long distances”.

He added: “As long as we take a broad perspective, rise above differences and respect each other, then we will prove ourselves able to stand the test of history.”

Mentioning the upcoming Chinese new year, he said Sir Keir’s visit was “a sign of auspiciousness”.

Read Daily Express: https://www.express.co.uk
Like Daily Express on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DailyExpress
Follow Daily Express on X: https://x.com/Daily_Express
Follow Daily Express on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dailyexpress/

#DailyExpress #News #keirstarmer #xijinping #china #labour #ukpolitics #chinesepolitics #migrantcrisis #smallboats #immigration #beijing