Chinese President Xi Jinping and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a summit and affirmed their commitment to strengthening long-term cooperation. A British prime minister's visit to China is the first in eight years since former Prime Minister Theresa May in 2018.
According to Reuters and China's state-run Xinhua News Agency, Xi said at the summit held in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on the afternoon of the day, "China-U.K. relations have recently gone through ups and downs, which did not serve the interests of both countries," adding, "China is ready to develop a long-term and stable comprehensive strategic partnership with the United Kingdom."
Referring to the turbulent international situation, Xi said, "As permanent members of the United Nations (UN) Security Council and major economies, the two countries should strengthen dialogue and cooperation to safeguard world peace and stability and to advance the economies and livelihoods of both countries." He continued, "China has followed the path of peaceful development and has never violated another country's territory," adding, "Even when China grows stronger, it will not pose a threat to other countries."
He then proposed cooperation in education, health care, finance and services, as well as in technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), life sciences, new energy and low carbon. He also said China would consider visa-free entry for British nationals.
In response, Starmer said, "The fact that I am visiting China with more than 60 leading figures from the U.K.'s economic and cultural sectors is aimed at broadening the scope of cooperation between the two countries and strengthening relations with China."
Emphasizing China's importance on the global stage, Starmer said, "It is important to build a more sophisticated relationship so that we can have meaningful conversations even on issues where we do not agree. The United Kingdom wants to develop a long-term and stable comprehensive strategic partnership with China."
On Taiwan and Hong Kong, Starmer said, "The United Kingdom's policy on Taiwan has been maintained for a long time and will not change going forward," adding, "The prosperity and stability of Hong Kong serve the common interests of both countries. We are pleased that Hong Kong serves as a unique and important bridge between the United Kingdom and China."
Starmer arrived in Beijing the previous night and is in the midst of a four-day schedule. Starmer will meet with Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, then leave China for Japan with Shanghai as his final stop.