Keir Starmer Begins Crucial Three-Day Visit to China

London (Web Desk) – UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer began a three-day visit to China on Wednesday, aiming to strengthen Britain’s “pragmatic” partnership with the Asian giant after years of strained relations. This marks the first visit by a UK premier since Theresa May in 2018. Starmer will also make a brief stop in Japan to meet Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

During the visit, Starmer will meet Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and National People’s Congress Chairman Zhao Leji, to discuss trade, investment, and national security. He is accompanied by around 60 business leaders and cultural representatives from sectors such as finance, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles.

The visit comes as Starmer seeks to boost Britain’s economy and restore stable relations with China following a turbulent period marked by tensions over Hong Kong, accusations of spying, and concerns over national security. While emphasizing “pragmatic, consistent co-operation,” Starmer also plans to raise human rights issues, including the case of Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai, a British national imprisoned on collusion charges.

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China has described the visit as an opportunity to enhance political trust, while analysts see it as Beijing’s chance to showcase reliability amid shifting US-led alliances. Starmer’s approach aims to balance attracting investment with asserting firm positions on security and human rights, in the face of domestic and international scrutiny.