Keir Starmer is set to embark on a journey to China this Wednesday to improve strained relations in the first official visit by a British Prime Minister in nearly a decade.
During his visit, the Prime Minister aims to strengthen economic ties with China, the world’s second-largest economy, by engaging in a charm offensive with Beijing.
Despite tensions in the US-UK relationship due to past disputes with Donald Trump, including disagreements over Greenland and NATO’s role in Afghanistan, Starmer faces challenges in addressing sensitive issues with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. These issues include concerns about espionage, the treatment of Uighur Muslims, and the imprisonment of British national Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy activist from Hong Kong.
This four-day trip marks the first visit by a British PM since Theresa May’s visit in 2018. It follows a period of strained relations between the UK and China under previous Tory governments, exacerbated by disagreements over Russia’s involvement in Ukraine, crackdowns in Hong Kong, and espionage activities.
Starmer, who has been working to improve relations with China since taking office, emphasized the importance of a consistent and strategic relationship with China for the UK’s national interest. He highlighted the need to address challenges while maintaining engagement on areas of disagreement.
The visit is expected to be controversial, given previous disputes over Chinese espionage attempts in the UK Parliament, sanctions against British MPs critical of Beijing, and concerns about human rights violations. However, Starmer sees potential economic benefits in fostering closer ties with China amid global uncertainties caused by Trump’s trade threats.
Downing Street affirmed the UK’s commitment to national security while emphasizing the importance of engaging with major global powers like China to enhance influence and strengthen the country’s position on the world stage.
Lord Patten, former Governor of Hong Kong, emphasized the need for caution in developing closer ties with China, urging Starmer to be candid in dealing with Chinese leaders and to remain vigilant about China’s adherence to agreements.
In addition to the China visit, the Prime Minister is expected to travel to Tokyo to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, following backlash at home over political decisions, including the exclusion of Andy Burnham from a forthcoming by-election.