Meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Xi Jinping highlighted their shared responsibility as leaders of UN Security Council members to address global instability through enhanced dialogue, according to Xinhua.
Xi Jinping reiterated that China’s peaceful development poses no threat, noting that Beijing has never initiated wars or occupied foreign land.
Urging the UK to adopt a broader historical perspective, he called for an equal, non-discriminatory environment for Chinese businesses.
To facilitate exchange and foster objective understanding, Xi Jinping announced that China is considering a unilateral visa waiver for British citizens and encouraged more frequent visits by UK officials.
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Prime Minister Keir Starmer, leading a 60-member delegation, conveyed greetings from King Charles III and stressed the need for a partnership built on mutual respect.
He reaffirmed that Britain’s position on Taiwan remains unchanged and highlighted Hong Kong as a unique bridge serving common interests.
The leaders identified AI, bioscience, new energy, finance, and education as key sectors for expanded cooperation.
Following the summit, Keir Starmer met with Premier Li Qiang to witness the signing of agreements spanning trade, agriculture, and media.
Li Qiang proposed creating a “new engine” for innovation and reiterated China’s commitment to a favorable investment climate for British enterprises.
Experts view the visit as a pragmatic reset. Feng Zhongping of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences suggested a gradual approach: starting with small-scale collaboration to build trust, eventually leading to a fundamental improvement in bilateral relations.
