Keir Starmer discusses 'deepening' trade relationship with China's Xi

Sir Keir Starmer discussed 'deepening' Britain's links with China today despite the communist country's support for Russia and domestic human rights abuses.

The Prime Minister became the first British premier to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping since 2018, as they held talks at the G20 in Rio. 

The UK's relationship with Beijing has been in the deep freeze following China's crackdown on democracy protests in Hong Kong.

China has also been widely condemned for its brutal treatment of the Uyghur population in Xinjiang, which Labour once labelled a 'genocide'.

Speaking after his talks with Mr Xi, Sir Keir said he wants a 'serious and pragmatic' relationship with China while 'being clear about the issues that we do not agree on'.

'It's the second biggest economy in the world, it's one of our biggest trading partners, and therefore we have issues that we clearly need to discuss,' the PM told broadcasters.

'Whilst, of course, being clear about the issues that we do not agree on. But I will always act in the national interest, and that was the basis upon which we had our discussions this morning.'

Downing Street said the PM had used the meeting to raise Hong Kong and China's ongoing backing for Russia in its illegal war in Ukraine.

A spokesman added: 'They also discussed deepening the partnership bilaterally on trade and investment, health, education and other areas of mutual interest.

'The Prime Minister set out that our approach would be consistent, respectful and pragmatic in order to advance these shared goals.'

No10 also confirmed Chancellor Rachel Reeves will visit Beijing next year for talks with her counterpart, vice premier He Lifeng.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy visited China earlier this year.

Mr Xi responded to Sir Keir's olive branch by welcoming the chance to 'break new ground' between the countries. 

He insisted there is a duty to work together with the world entering a 'period marked by turbulence and transformation'. 

The cordial exchanges are a long way from the so-called 'Golden Age' pushed by David Cameron a decade ago - when he took Mr Xi to the pub during a state visit. 

However, Sir Keir has stressed his determination to rebuild the relationship, despite human rights concerns and fears the push could invoke the fury of Donald Trump. 

The returning US president has made clear he sees China as the main threat to global stability.

Speaking at the start of the meeting at the Sheraton Grand hotel, the PM said: 'We want our relations to be consistent, durable, respectful, as we have agreed, avoid surprises where possible.'

He added: 'The UK will be a predictable, consistent, sovereign actor committed to the rule of law.'

Sir Keir suggested they should hold a full bilateral meeting in Beijing or London - amid signs that he is planning a visit to China.

Journalists were ushered out of the room as Sir Keir raised the case of Jimmy Lai, the pro-democracy activist and British national imprisoned in Hong Kong.

The PM said: 'I'm very pleased that my Foreign Secretary and foreign minister Wang met recently to discuss respective concerns including on human rights and parliamentary sanctions, Taiwan, the South China Sea and our shared interest in Hong Kong. We are concerned by reports of Jimmy Lai's deterioration.'

He had earlier said that he is 'keen that my Chancellor should meet with vice premier He for the upcoming economic financial dialogue early next year to explore more investment projects and a more level playing field to help our businesses.'

According to a translation in the room, President Xi said there is 'broad space for co-operation' between the two countries, highlighting trade and clean energy.

He said: 'The world has entered a new period marked by turbulence and transformation.

'As permanent members of the UN security council and major global economies, China and UK share the dual responsibility of advancing our respective national development and addressing global challenges.'

He later added: 'China and the UK have broad space for co-operation across various domains, including trade, investment, clean energy, financial services, healthcare and improving our peoples' wellbeing.

'We should take fostering greater development, better-serving our peoples and contributing more to the world as our goal.

'Live up to our strategic partnership and commit to mutual respect, openness, co-operation, exchanges and mutual learning for shared benefit […] in doing so we will break new ground in the China-UK relationship amid a changing world and better underscore our relationship's relevance for the times and its significance for the world.'

Critics – including sanctioned former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith – have accused Sir Keir of a 'betrayal' of those who have suffered under the repressive regime. 

En route to the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro yesterday, the PM told reporters it was 'important' to improve relations and trade with China.

'We are both global players, global powers, both permanent members of the security council and of the G20,' he said.

'China's economy is obviously the second biggest in the world. It's one of our biggest trading partners and therefore I will be having serious, pragmatic discussions with the president when I meet him.'

Asked whether he wanted to improve relations with Beijing, he added: 'Given the size of the economy, it is very important that we have a pragmatic and serious relationship and that's what I intend to pursue.'

Sir Keir ducked questions about China's actions in Xinjiang, saying he had previously given 'a whole series of answers in terms of my position'.

But he added: 'I do think it's important that we have serious engagement which is what I will be pursuing in my bilateral at the G20.'