Keir Starmer has emphasized his intention to address crucial matters as he prepares to engage with China’s President regarding human rights during a significant meeting in Beijing scheduled for Thursday.

The British Prime Minister is set to meet Xi Jinping during a four-day visit to China, marking the first such visit by a UK PM in eight years following strained UK-China relations under previous Conservative leaders. Starmer aims to enhance relations with the world’s second-largest economy, navigating a delicate balance between fostering Chinese business ties and addressing security and human rights issues.

Upon arrival in Beijing, Starmer refrained from disclosing specific topics for discussion during the meeting with the Chinese premier. Sensitive issues on the agenda include the case of Jimmy Lai, a British pro-Democracy activist facing potential life imprisonment, and the persecution of Uyghur Muslims confined in “re-education camps.”

In response to inquiries about Lai’s situation, the Prime Minister stated: “I have consistently raised pertinent issues during my travels, but I prefer not to preempt discussions until the appropriate time. Engaging with China allows for open dialog on areas of disagreement while advancing mutual interests, and that is the approach I intend to take.”

Starmer neither confirmed nor denied whether he would address the treatment of Uyghurs ahead of the meeting. Yasmine Ahmed, the UK Director of Human Rights Watch, urged the PM to uphold principles and not prioritize profit during his visit, emphasizing that maintaining ethical standards is crucial for Britain’s long-term economic and security well-being.

Addressing espionage concerns, Starmer mentioned that there was no evidence of Chinese hacking of his phone or those of his close aides, such as Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Rishi Sunak, between 2021 and 2024. As a precaution, officials switched to burner devices for the trip, with former Security Minister Tom Tugendhat humorously referring to the delegation needing a “burner plane” to safeguard against espionage threats.

Notably, the UK Government has previously chartered planes to accommodate large business delegations accompanying the PM during official visits, including recent trips to India.