politics
January 29, 2026
Keir Starmer opens door to UK visit by Xi Jinping after bilateral talks
PM says trip to China has put relationship in stronger place, but possible return visit angers British critics
TL;DR
- Keir Starmer's visit to China aims to improve bilateral relations after a period described as an "ice age".
- Agreements were reached on a visa waiver for British travelers and economic cooperation, including a £10.8bn AstraZeneca investment and reduced tariffs on Scotch whisky.
- Critics, including sanctioned MPs, oppose a potential UK visit by President Xi Jinping while sanctions and diplomatic bans remain.
- Starmer stated that human rights abuses, including the detention of Jimmy Lai and persecution of Uyghurs, were respectfully raised with Xi.
- The discussion on the Ukraine war and China's stance on Russia remains undisclosed.
Continue reading the original article