London | 29 January 2026 The United Kingdom and China signaled a renewed effort to stabilize and expand bilateral relations on Thursday, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping amid growing global uncertainty and recalibrated international alliances.
The meeting, which took place during Starmer’s official visit to Asia, marked the most substantial engagement between London and Beijing since the UK’s change in government. Both leaders emphasized economic cooperation, climate coordination, and diplomatic dialogue, while acknowledging persistent disagreements over human rights, trade practices, and regional security.
Downing Street said the discussions focused on “pragmatic engagement,” with the UK seeking to protect national interests while avoiding deeper economic fragmentation. Starmer stressed the importance of maintaining open channels with China, the world’s second-largest economy, particularly at a time when global markets are under pressure and geopolitical tensions are reshaping traditional partnerships.
“Constructive engagement does not mean ignoring differences,” Starmer said during a brief press appearance. “It means addressing them directly while working together where our interests align.”
China’s state media described the talks as “positive and forward-looking,” noting that both sides agreed on the need for stability in global trade and cooperation on climate initiatives. Xi highlighted the role of the UK as a “key European partner” and urged closer collaboration in science, education, and green technology.
The meeting comes at a moment when the UK is reassessing its global posture following shifts in US foreign policy and renewed debates over strategic autonomy in Europe. British officials have privately acknowledged that London must balance its long-standing security ties with Washington while protecting economic opportunities in Asia.
Trade featured prominently in the talks, with British companies seeking clearer market access and regulatory predictability in China. Several UK business leaders accompanied the prime minister, underscoring the government’s desire to boost exports and attract inward investment. One announcement involving a major pharmaceutical expansion was welcomed by UK industry groups as a sign of cautious progress.
However, the discussions were not without tension. Starmer raised concerns over Hong Kong’s political freedoms and the treatment of ethnic minorities in Xinjiang, issues that have strained relations in recent years. UK officials said the prime minister was “direct and consistent” in raising human rights matters.
Opposition figures in Parliament urged caution, warning against economic dependency and calling for greater transparency around any new agreements. Some Conservative MPs questioned whether closer ties risk undermining the UK’s values-based foreign policy.
China, for its part, urged the UK to avoid “politicizing trade” and criticized what it described as Western interference in domestic affairs. Despite the rhetoric, analysts noted that the tone of the meeting was notably less confrontational than in previous years.
Foreign policy experts say the engagement reflects a broader European trend toward selective re-engagement with Beijing, driven by economic necessity and global instability. The UK, they argue, is attempting to carve out a middle path — neither full alignment nor outright confrontation.
The government has indicated that further high-level talks will follow later this year, including economic dialogues and climate cooperation meetings. While no sweeping agreements were announced, officials on both sides described the encounter as an important step toward rebuilding trust.
As the international order continues to evolve, Britain’s approach to China is likely to remain a defining test of its post-election foreign policy strategy.
