Xi Jinping Holds Summit with UK Prime Minister: "A New Chapter Will Open"

First Visit by UK Prime Minister to China in 8 Years
Closed-Door Summit Lasts Twice as Long as Scheduled

On January 29, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and expressed his desire to develop a long-term and stable cooperative relationship with the United Kingdom. Prime Minister Starmer responded by emphasizing the importance of building a sophisticated relationship between the two countries.

According to AFP, President Xi made these remarks during a summit with Prime Minister Starmer at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on the same day. President Xi acknowledged, "There have been ups and downs in China-UK relations recently, which have not served the interests of either country." This marks the first visit by a British prime minister to China in eight years.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer are shaking hands as they meet for a summit. Photo by Yonhap News.

He continued, "China is ready to develop a long-term and consistent strategic partnership with the United Kingdom," stressing, "In the current complex and intertwined international situation, as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and major global economies, our two countries must strengthen dialogue."

He also mentioned that the former Labour government led by Tony Blair made significant contributions to the development of bilateral relations, adding that even if there are difficulties ahead, the two countries can overcome them through cooperation. He stated, "Good things often come with challenges. But as leaders, we must not shy away from difficulties; we must move forward with courage."

President Xi noted that China's biggest holiday, the Spring Festival (Lunar New Year), is approaching, and said, "I believe this visit by Prime Minister Starmer will certainly be a success, and that cooperation between our two countries will open a new chapter in China-UK relations, just as a horse leads the way at a gallop." He also mentioned that the visit is a sign of good fortune.

Prime Minister Starmer responded that, at a time when the world is facing challenges, it is necessary to further deepen the relationship between the two countries.

He said, "China is an important player on the global stage," adding, "It is important for us to build a more sophisticated relationship so that we can identify opportunities for cooperation and engage in meaningful dialogue in areas where we do not agree." He further stated, "I have long made it clear that our two countries need a long-term, consistent, and comprehensive strategic partnership."

The two leaders held a closed-door meeting for one hour and twenty minutes, twice as long as originally scheduled. After the summit with President Xi, Prime Minister Starmer was scheduled to meet with Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, among other Chinese leaders. He then planned to visit Shanghai before heading to Japan.