Beijing: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Wednesday in a bid to improve ties between the two countries after years of tension.
It was the first visit by a British prime minister to China in eight years. Starmer said Britain wants a more mature and balanced relationship with China, based on cooperation where possible and honesty where there are differences.
President Xi said relations between the two countries had seen ups and downs in recent years, but added that China was ready to work with Britain for long term stability and mutual benefit.
Trade and economic cooperation were key topics in the talks. Starmer was joined by more than 50 British business leaders who are looking for new investment and export opportunities in China. Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in areas such as finance, green energy and technology.
The two leaders also announced new cooperation to fight migrant smuggling. China agreed to help Britain by sharing intelligence and taking action against criminal networks involved in supplying small boat engines used for illegal crossings to the United Kingdom.
Starmer said he also raised human rights concerns during the meeting. He mentioned the case of Jimmy Lai, a British linked pro democracy figure jailed in Hong Kong, and said Britain would continue to speak out on issues of freedom and civil rights.
Relations between London and Beijing have been strained over the past decade because of security concerns, human rights disputes and restrictions on Chinese investment in Britain. The new Labour government is now trying to take a more direct and practical approach through dialogue.
Analysts say the meeting shows Britain is trying to balance economic interests with security and values at a time of global uncertainty. It also reflects a wider trend of Western leaders engaging with China again while keeping close ties with their traditional allies.
Both leaders agreed to keep communication open and to explore further cooperation in the months ahead.