Starmer vows to remain ‘clear-eyed’ over national security as he flies to China

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Pippa Crerar Political editorJanuary 27, 2026 at 11:30 PM

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Keir Starmer is in Beijing to improve UK-China relations, promising a "clear-eyed and realistic" approach to national security concerns. This visit, the first by a UK leader in eight years, aims to establish a consistent relationship with China, recognizing its economic importance to the UK. Starmer plans to meet with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang to discuss economic ties while addressing disagreements like human rights abuses. Despite criticism over China's human rights record and security threats, Starmer argues that engaging with the world's second-largest economy is in the UK's national interest. He emphasizes that economic opportunities will not overshadow national security concerns.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Conservatives 40% Hong Kong 40% Donald Trump 50% Downing Street ×250% Xi Jinping 60% Li Qiang 60% United States ×270% Keir Starmer ×590% UK ×790% China ×11100%

Keywords

china 100% national security 90% keir starmer 90% uk relations 80% economic ties 70% foreign policy 60% trade relations 60% global instability 50% human rights 50%