Why is the UK’s Keir Starmer in China and what does he want to achieve?

Al JazeeraCenterEN 5 min read 100% complete by Erin HaleJanuary 29, 2026 at 12:43 PM

AI Summary

long article 5 min

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is on a three-day state visit to China, beginning January 29, 2026, to improve strained relations and deepen economic and security ties. This is the first visit by a UK Prime Minister since 2018. Starmer met with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang in Beijing, advocating for a "comprehensive strategic partnership" and cooperation on global issues like climate change. He will then travel to Shanghai to meet with business leaders. Starmer is accompanied by a delegation of business and cultural representatives. The visit aims to reset UK-China relations and explore opportunities for UK businesses in the world's second-largest economy.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

HSBC 30% National Theatre 30% Jaguar Land Rover 30% GSK 30% Shanghai 40% Theresa May 40% Li Qiang 50% Beijing 50% Xi Jinping ×570% UK ×680% Keir Starmer ×790% China ×1090%

Keywords

uk-china relations 100% keir starmer 90% china 80% economic ties 70% security ties 70% xi jinping 60% business delegation 50% global stability 50% climate change 40%