Labour leader aims to reset UK-China relations with a focus on economic growth, despite criticism over human rights concerns

Keir Starmer is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, marking the first UK prime ministerial visit to China in six years. The Labour leader aims to establish “a pragmatic and serious relationship” with the world’s second-largest economy, focusing on economic cooperation to boost the UK’s growth ambitions.

Starmer, alongside Chancellor Rachel Reeves, has been advocating for improved UK-China relations, arguing that stronger ties are essential for achieving the UK’s economic goals. However, the move is expected to face significant backlash, especially from human rights groups, backbenchers, and Conservative MPs who have been targeted by Chinese sanctions, including Tom Tugendhat and Alicia Kearns. They have urged Starmer to raise concerns over the detention of British citizen Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong, calling for his release.

The meeting, set to take place on Monday, comes after a period of strained UK-China relations, particularly since the last prime ministerial visit by Theresa May in 2018. Relations have soured due to issues such as cyber threats, human rights violations, and China’s sanctions on British MPs. Starmer, however, has emphasized the economic importance of engaging with China, citing its status as one of the UK’s largest trading partners.

Starmer’s approach to the meeting contrasts with the more cautious stance of his Conservative predecessors, who have toyed with designating China as a national security threat. While Starmer has acknowledged areas of disagreement, such as human rights, he has underscored the potential for mutual cooperation in areas like international stability, climate change, and economic growth.

At the summit, Starmer will also meet with other world leaders, including Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, with whom he shares common ground on issues like green energy and workers’ rights. Starmer has defended his trip, which includes four days away from the UK, as an opportunity to strengthen ties with emerging economies in Latin America, while also promoting British business interests.

Despite facing criticism for the number of international trips he has taken since becoming prime minister, Starmer has remained firm in his belief that these engagements are crucial for the UK’s future. His discussions with Xi, he said, will focus on serious economic discussions, aiming to reset the UK’s relationship with China while safeguarding national interests.

THE TIMES

Keir Starmer is aiming to reshape the UK’s relationship with China as part of his broader foreign policy strategy. In recent statements, Starmer has emphasised the importance of building a new rapport with China, focusing on cooperation in areas such as trade, climate change, and global security. This move marks a shift from the current government’s more cautious approach towards Beijing, particularly following rising tensions over issues like human rights and national security.

Starmer’s efforts to re-engage with China are rooted in his desire to strengthen the UK’s position in the global economy, acknowledging China’s significant role as a major economic power. However, he faces challenges in balancing this approach with concerns from within his own party and the broader public about China’s growing influence.

The Labour leader has stressed the need for a pragmatic approach, suggesting that while there will be differences, particularly on human rights, it is in the UK’s interest to have constructive dialogue with China. This stance has raised both support and criticism, with some viewing it as an opportunity for economic growth and others concerned about the implications for the UK’s stance on global human rights issues.