At the recent G20 summit held in Rio de Janeiro, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking the first face-to-face discussion between the leaders of the U.K. and China since 2018. Starmer, who took office after leading the Labour Party to victory earlier this year, aims to mend the strained relations between the two nations which have soured due to issues concerning human rights and national security.
During their meeting, Starmer expressed his desire for the U.K. to establish a "strong and durable" relationship with China. He emphasized the need for diplomatic consistency, noting, "We want our relations to be consistent, durable, respectful, and as we have agreed, avoid surprises where possible." This statement reflects the Labour leader's hope to turn the page on the frosty ties resulting from China's actions both domestically and internationally.
The exchange also showcased Xi's praise of Starmer's economic initiatives. "The new UK government is working to fix the foundations of the economy and rebuild Britain," Xi contended, echoing Starmer's own rhetoric. This positive note from Xi seems to signal China’s willingness to engage with the U.K. on various fronts, including trade, investment, and climate change.
Despite the amicable atmosphere, the meeting was not without its contentious moments. Starmer did not shy away from bringing up pressing human rights issues, especially the situation of Hong Kong pro-democracy campaigner and publisher Jimmy Lai, who has been detained since December 2020 under China's strict national security laws. According to reports, the room was cleared of journalists when Starmer raised this issue, indicating the sensitivity surrounding the topic.
Starmer has faced criticism from opposition figures for his approach to China. Dame Priti Patel, Shadow Foreign Secretary, asserted, "Britain's standing on the world stage risks being weakened" if the government does not take a firm stance on human rights during its dealings with Beijing. She stressed the importance of the U.K. addressing China's record on civil liberties with greater authority.
Former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith also denounced the meeting, accusing Starmer of "kowtowing" to China, which he views as the greatest threat to democratic values globally. The meeting has sparked discussion about whether Starmer's conciliatory approach will yield tangible benefits for the U.K. or compromise its position on international norms.
Xinhua, China’s state news agency, reported Xi's remarks on the potential for increased cooperation between the two nations, expressing hope for improved political relations. Xi stated, "We should take fostering greater development as our goal..." indicating his openness to rekindling ties amid growing geopolitical tensions.
For Starmer, who has made restoring cordial international relations a hallmark of his tenure, the summit was pivotal. It aimed not only to repair the relationship with China but also to set the tone for future engagement, especially concerning global challenges such as climate change and economic recovery.
Starmer reiterated his belief in the importance of the U.K.-China relationship, stating, "A strong UK-China relationship is important for both of our countries and for the broader international community." He called for more frequent engagements at various levels, proposing bilateral talks between U.K. officials and their Chinese counterparts.
The lofty goals of the summit come against the backdrop of rising tensions related to China’s support for Russia amid the Ukraine conflict and its assertive posturing toward Taiwan. The stark reality of international relations necessitates foreign policy leaders to balance economic interests with human rights advocacy, particularly when dealing with nations like China.
Starmer's meeting with Xi is also underscored by domestically pressing issues, including public concerns over human rights and the impact of China's policies on Hong Kong's governance. This complexity challenges the Prime Minister to navigate the waters of diplomacy carefully.
Both leaders concluded the meeting with their staff expressing optimism about future engagement. Starmer's office stated they are committed to addressing mutual concerns and exploring cooperative opportunities. Yet, with the U.K. positioned as part of the broader Western alliance opposing numerous Chinese actions, how Starmer's declarations will translate to real policy change remains to be seen.
