Starmer calls for ‘respectful’ relationship with China in meeting with Xi

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Sir Keir Starmer has said he told Xi Jinping he wanted “respectful” relations with Beijing as he became the first prime minister to meet the Chinese president since 2018. The Prime Minister told the Chinese leader: “We want our relations to be consistent, durable, respectful, as we have agreed, avoid surprises where possible.” He added: “The UK will be a predictable, consistent, sovereign actor committed to the rule of law.” Sir Keir’s meeting followed Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s visit to Beijing in October for talks with counterpart Wang Yi. “His priority is on pursuing pragmatic and serious diplomatic relationships.” China and the UK have broad space for co-operation across various domains, including trade, investment, clean energy, financial services, healthcare and improving our peoples’ well-being China's President Xi Jinping Speaking through a translator, Mr Xi told Sir Keir: “China and the UK have broad space for co-operation across various domains, including trade, investment, clean energy, financial services, healthcare and improving our peoples’ well-being. Dame Priti said: “Britain’s standing on the world stage risks being weakened if the Prime Minister does not robustly defend our national interest.” “While it is important to have a constructive diplomatic dialogue with China, the Prime Minister should have been stronger in raising our concerns over human rights, the repressive nature of the national security laws imposed on Hong Kong, and the security, safety and wellbeing of British nationals, like Jimmy Lai, who should be freed from custody.