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Sir Keir Starmer, British premier, has met Chinese president Xi Jinping, promising to construct relations between the 2 countries which are “consistent, durable, respectful”.
Starmer met Xi on Monday on the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro and proposed following it up with further high level meetings, including a bilateral with Chinese premier Li Qiang in either Beijing or London.
“We would like our relationships to be consistent, durable, respectful and — as we’ve agreed — to avoid surprises where possible,” Starmer said.
Downing Street said Starmer raised human rights, Chinese sanctions against British parliamentarians and the treatment of Jimmy Lai, the Hong Kong media tycoon.
Starmer also confirmed plans for Rachel Reeves, UK chancellor, to carry talks with China about deepening economic and financial ties between the 2 countries. She is anticipated to go to Beijing early next yr.
“A powerful UK China relationship is vital for each of our countries and for the broader international community,” Starmer said. “The UK shall be a predictable, consistent, sovereign actor committed to the rule of law.”
With the prospect of US President-elect Donald Trump launching global tariffs, notably against China, Starmer is anxious to keep up open relations with Beijing, a key trading partner, as a part of his efforts to spice up UK economic growth.
“I’m keen that my chancellor should meet with vice-premier He [Lifeng] for the upcoming economic financial dialogue early next yr to explore more investment projects and a more level playing field to assist our businesses,” Starmer said initially of the meeting, on the margins of the G20.
He also said that David Lammy, foreign secretary, had recently discussed in Beijing British concerns over “human rights and parliamentary sanctions, Taiwan, the South China Sea and our shared interest in Hong Kong”.
Starmer added: “We’re concerned by reports of Jimmy Lai’s deterioration.”
The brand new Labour government is carrying out a review of UK-China relations and is anticipated to proceed a constructive engagement with Beijing, coupled with tight restrictions on trade where national security issues are at stake.
Downing Street said Starmer wanted to interact with China on areas reminiscent of international stability, climate and growth. It was the primary meeting between a British premier and Xi since Theresa May met him in Beijing in 2016.
Relations between China and Britain cooled considerably following May’s meeting with Xi and are far faraway from the “golden era” proclaimed by ex-Tory premier Lord David Cameron.
Rishi Sunak, former Tory prime minister, adopted a much tougher tone towards Beijing, under pressure from China hawks on his own backbenches.
Starmer will use the Rio summit to carry a series of bilateral meetings — a part of an intensive global tour since becoming prime minister in July. His trip marks the primary visit by a British premier to Brazil in 12 years.
