Xi-Starmer meeting: Chinese leader tells PM he hopes both countries can ‘rise above differences’

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Pippa Crerar in BeijingJanuary 29, 2026 at 12:22 PM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

During the first visit by a British Prime Minister to China in eight years, Xi Jinping met with Keir Starmer in Beijing, expressing hope for a more consistent UK-China relationship despite past "twists and turns." Xi urged both countries to "rise above differences," while Starmer aimed to bring "stability and clarity" to bilateral relations. Following the meeting, Starmer announced that the relationship was in a "good, strong place" and highlighted agreements including a Chinese visa waiver for British tourists and closer economic cooperation, such as AstraZeneca's $15bn investment. Discussions also covered the Ukraine conflict, with both leaders sharing the goal of ending the war, and security concerns. The UK delegation raised the case of Jimmy Lai and sanctions on British MPs.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Russia 30% Volodymyr Zelenskyy 30% Ukraine 30% Hong Kong 40% Jimmy Lai 40% AstraZeneca 50% Kemi Badenoch 50% Beijing 50% Keir Starmer ×580% Xi Jinping ×490% UK ×790% China ×690%

Keywords

uk-china relations 100% xi jinping 90% keir starmer 80% economic cooperation 70% visa waiver 60% human rights 50% trade 50% ukraine conflict 40% national security 40%