Britain’s PM Keir Starmer meets Xi Jinping in bid to reset strained ties

British PM Keir Starmer meets Xi Jinping in Beijing to strengthen economic ties amid US-Britain tensions.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday (January 29, 2026) for ​talks he hopes will deepen their economic relationship, signalling a breakthrough in ties after years ‌of distrust and acrimony.

On the most important day of his four-day visit to China, Mr. Starmer was greeted ​by Mr. Xi at the Great Hall of the People for a discussion expected to last around 40 minutes, before they lunch together. He will also meet Premier Li Qiang later on Thursday (January 29).

Mr. Starmer, whose centre-left Labour Party government has struggled to deliver the economic growth it promised, has made improving relations with China one of his priorities in the hope it can yield business opportunities.

The visit to China, the first by a British Prime Minister since 2018, comes amid tension between Britain and its longstanding close ally the United States over President Donald Trump’s recent remarks, ​including threats to take control of Greenland.

Kerry Brown, professor of Chinese studies at King’s College London, said he ⁠expected that a number of deals between Britain and China would be announced to show how their relationship has improved.

“This must look like it’s been a success,” he said. “For both sides, they don’t want a meeting which is going to be arguing about things they disagree on.”