UK, China Must Maintain Open Dialogue On Areas Of Disagreement: PM Starmer

Last Updated:January 29, 2026, 20:15 IST

Keir Starmer met President Xi in Beijing, securing 30 days' visa-free travel for Britons, discussing trade, security, and AstraZeneca's 15 billion dollar investment in China.

UM Prime Minister Keir Starmer with Chinese President Xi Jinping. (Keir Starmer/X)

Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday said UK and China share a commitment to build a “long-term and strategic partnership" while maintaining an open dialogue on areas of disagreement.

In a post on X, Starmer said: “Growth at home is directly linked to our engagement with the world’s biggest powers. Today I met with President Xi in Beijing."

“We affirmed our shared commitment to building a long-term and strategic partnership that will benefit both our countries, while maintaining frank and open dialogue on areas of disagreement," he added.

According to PA Media, Starmer secured a deal on visa-free travel to China for UK citizens during his visit to Beijing.

Also Read: UK Travellers Get Visa-Free Access To China For 30 Days

The Downing Street said that the visa-free travel will apply to those travelling to China for business and as tourists.

“We’ll make it easier for them to do so, including via relaxed visa rules for short-term travel, supporting them to expand abroad, all while boosting growth and jobs at home," the UK PM said.

Also Read: Keir Starmer In China: What To Expect From The First Visit By A UK PM In Eight Years

This visit was the first by a British leader in eight years, marking a significant recalibration at a moment when both countries are trying to stabilise a complicated, mistrust-laden relationship. During the visit, Starmer not only agreed to 30 days’ visa-free access for Britons but also discussed lower Chinese tariffs on whisky, and welcomed a $15 billion investment by the UK’s AstraZeneca into China.

According to Reuters, Starmer spent around three hours with Xi at a formal summit and a lunch, during which the pair discussed trade and security, the war in Ukraine, and soccer and Shakespeare.

“China is a vital player on the global stage, and it’s vital that we build a more sophisticated relationship where we can identify opportunities to collaborate, but of course, also allow a meaningful dialogue on areas where we disagree," Starmer told Xi at the start of their meeting.

Meanwhile, Xi told Starmer: “We can deliver a result that can withstand the test of history."

He was accompanied by a delegation of around 60 British business and cultural leaders, including representatives from HSBC, GSK, Jaguar Land Rover and the Theatre.

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