China trip will bring benefits to UK, Starmer insists, ahead of Xi meeting

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 3 min read 100% complete January 28, 2026 at 04:27 PM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has begun a three-day visit to China, the first by a British prime minister in eight years. Starmer aims to strengthen trade and cultural ties after a period of strained relations. He will meet with President Xi Jinping to discuss areas of agreement and disagreement. The visit comes amid concerns about China's human rights record and espionage activities in the UK. Starmer insists the trip will benefit the UK and that maintaining a strategic relationship with the world's second-largest economy is important. He also stated that the UK will not be forced to choose between China and the US.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

United States 70% Tiananmen Square ×280% Xi Jinping ×290% Keir Starmer ×4100% UK ×3100% China ×5100%

Keywords

uk-china relations 90% china visit 80% keir starmer 80% xi jinping 70% trade ties 60% national security 60% human rights 60% strategic relationship 50% espionage 50% british business 40%