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Sir Keir Starmer is undertaking a significant visit to Beijing, marking the first time a British prime minister has traveled to China since 2018. His itinerary includes a scheduled meeting with President Xi Jinping on Thursday. Accompanying him are around 60 leaders from British business and cultural sectors, representing major organizations such as HSBC, GSK, Jaguar Land Rover, and the National Theatre. This visit represents a critical moment in the UK government’s effort to renew its relationship with China, despite ongoing concerns and criticism from opponents who warn against trusting the Communist Party and emphasize the stark differences in worldviews.
Regarding the topic of human rights, Downing Street has confirmed that the prime minister will address sensitive issues where British interests and values conflict with those of China. China faces widespread accusations of committing crimes against humanity, particularly targeting Uyghur and other predominantly Muslim ethnic minorities in Xinjiang. There are also international concerns about the treatment of Jimmy Lai, the Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon currently facing the possibility of a life sentence. Beyond human rights, the UK remains wary of extensive espionage efforts from China, with MI5’s chief recently describing Chinese state operatives as a daily security threat.
Despite these challenges, Downing Street stresses the importance of the visit. Prior to departing, Sir Keir Starmer remarked on the UK’s inconsistent approach to China over the years, shifting between periods of cooperation and tension. He pointed out, “like it or not, China matters for the UK,” citing China’s status as one of the largest global economic powers. According to the prime minister, maintaining a strategic and steady relationship with China aligns with the UK’s national interests. However, Starmer clarified that engagement does not imply ignoring the difficulties posed by China, but rather involves dialogue even amid disagreements.
The trip also includes Business Secretary Peter Kyle and Economic Secretary to the Treasury Lucy Rigby. Their involvement follows previous visits by senior UK officials, such as Mr. Kyle’s September trip to Beijing and Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s visit a year ago. Sir Keir is expected to argue that past policies leaned too much toward isolationism and that renewed strategic engagement will fortify the UK. Officials highlight that several Western leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and French President Emmanuel Macron, have recently visited Beijing, with the UK lagging behind in this respect. The prime minister views the UK as an “outlier” compared to other Western economies in its current stance toward China. Following his visit to China, Sir Keir will travel to Tokyo to meet Japan’s new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi
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