At the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will pay an official visit to China from 28 to 31 January. The visit marks the first trip to China by a British prime minister in eight years. Commenting on the visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday, 27 January, that China is ready to seize this opportunity to work with the United Kingdom to open a new chapter of sound and stable development in bilateral relations.
Speaking at a regular press briefing, Guo noted that in August 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping held a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Starmer, followed by an in-person meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro in November. These interactions, he said, helped steer China–UK relations toward a path of improvement and development. Against the backdrop of a volatile and uncertain international landscape, Guo emphasized that both China and the United Kingdom are permanent members of the UN Security Council. Maintaining communication and strengthening cooperation between the two countries, he added, serve the common interests of their peoples and contribute to global peace, stability, and development.
Guo further stated that since taking office, the UK’s Labour Party government has expressed its willingness to pursue a consistent, sustainable, and strategic China–UK relationship, while actively promoting dialogue and cooperation between the two sides. China, he said, hopes to use this visit as an opportunity to enhance political trust, deepen practical cooperation, and jointly usher in a new phase of healthy and stable growth in bilateral relations. The two countries are also expected to make constructive and responsible contributions to global peace, security, and stability.
It is understood that President Xi Jinping will meet with Prime Minister Starmer, while Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, will hold separate meetings with him. The discussions will focus on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest. In addition to Beijing, Prime Minister Starmer is also scheduled to visit Shanghai.
Source: Swarna-Hashim-Lily, China Media Group.