Keir Starmer meets Xi Jinping at G20 summit in Rio

Keir Starmer insisted that UK-China ties are 'important' today as he became the first premier to meet Xi Jinping since 2018.

The PM said he wanted a 'strong relationship' with Being as he met the Chinese premier on the fringes of the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro. 

Links between the two countries have been in a deep freeze following China's crackdown on democracy protests in Hong Kong and its brutal treatment of the Uyghur population in Xinjiang, which Labour once labelled a 'genocide'. 

However, Sir Keir has stressed his determination to rebuild the relationship - despite concerns the push could spark tensions with 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.'

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.'