Starmer begins four-day China visit, vows close U.S. ties

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in China on Wednesday for a four-day visit aimed at recalibrating relations with Beijing while preserving close ties with the United States, FT reports. A meeting with President Xi Jinping is set for Thursday, followed by a stop in Japan on Saturday.

The trip is being conducted under heightened security because of spying concerns. Starmer’s team brought burner phones, and he reported no evidence that Downing Street has been hacked since he took office, noting that “robust” protections are in place.

Last week, his government approved plans for China to build a new embassy compound near the City of London, despite criticism from Conservative lawmakers who warn it could become a “spy hub.” Starmer frames the decision as part of stabilizing ties while safeguarding national security.

Pressed on whether deeper engagement with China could strain relations with Washington, the prime minister stressed that Britain will keep strong links with the United States on defense, security, intelligence, and trade. He described himself as “a British pragmatist applying common sense.”

He intends to raise areas of disagreement with Chinese leaders but declined to detail topics ahead of the talks. He indicated a readout would follow his meeting with Xi and did not confirm whether he would address Xinjiang and the treatment of Uyghur Muslims.

Starmer is traveling with a group of about 60 business and cultural figures, including leaders of major UK arts organizations, as part of a broader outreach effort. He is the first UK leader to visit China since 2018.