BEIJING/London, Jan 29: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday urged the United Kingdom to jointly advocate and practice “true multilateralism” during talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Beijing, the first visit by a British prime minister to China in eight years.
Meeting at the Great Hall of the People, Xi said international law can only be effective when all countries abide by it and warned that the world risks sliding into “the law of the jungle” if major powers fail to lead by example. He also reiterated that China would never pose a threat to other countries, regardless of its growth.
Both leaders described their talks as constructive. In a statement from London, Downing Street said Xi and Starmer agreed to build a consistent, long-term and strategic partnership, enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest and maintain open dialogue on disagreements. Starmer raised issues of concern to the UK during the meeting.
Starmer, accompanied by a delegation of nearly 60 leading British businesses and cultural organisations, said closer engagement with major global powers such as China was vital for economic growth and prosperity at home. The visit is expected to unlock new trade opportunities, including prospects for lower Scotch whisky export tariffs and visa-free travel for British visitors to China.
A key outcome of the visit is a new UK-China border security agreement aimed at disrupting migrant smuggling networks. Under the deal, British and Chinese law enforcement agencies will cooperate to prevent Chinese-made small boat engines and equipment from reaching criminal gangs involved in illegal Channel crossings.
The agreement will involve intelligence sharing, engagement with manufacturers and the first joint UK-China law enforcement action of its kind.
The two sides also agreed to step up removals of people with no right to remain in the UK and intensify efforts against Chinese criminal groups producing synthetic opioids, according to Downing Street. (AP)
