UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will be in China from January 28 to 31, barely two weeks after the state visit of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Starmer’s trip, the first British leader’s visit to China in eight years, followed an official invitation sent by the Premier of the State Council, Li Qiang.
During previous conversations, including at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, President Xi Jinping and PM Starmer discussed steering China-UK relations on a track toward development.
At a briefing on Tuesday, the Chinese government said the international landscape is “witnessing turbulence and transformation,” and requires realignments and stronger ties.
Beijing said Starmer’s visit serves the common interest of both nations and will advance global peace, stability, and development for China and the UK, permanent members of the UN Security Council.
The Prime Minister will hold separate meetings with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee Zhao Leji.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, said the leaders will have “in-depth exchanges of views on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest.” Starmer will visit Shanghai after Beijing.
After taking office, the Labour government expressed willingness to develop the UK’s relations with China in a long-term and strategic form, while promoting dialogue and cooperation.
Jiakun added that Starmer’s trip is an opportunity to enhance Beijing-London mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation, and open a new chapter of sound and steady development.
The UK and China have an ongoing partnership in areas, including education, science, and tech, with experts working on joint health breakthroughs, climate, and the environment.
Britain houses four of the world’s top 10 universities, with $1.2 trillion tech sector. China, with 25% of the world’s research and development workforce, hosts 20% of the world’s top academic institutions.
Last November, UK Science Minister Patrick Vallance led figures from the National Academies, universities, and the UKRI to meet with academics, politicians, and business leaders in Beijing.
The 11th meeting of the UK-China Joint Commission on Science and Technology was part of the UK’s approach to help deliver economic growth and support jobs and businesses.
The parley discussed research within climate change and environmental science, planetary science and astronomy, health research, as well as agriculture and food research.
It followed Trade Secretary Peter Kyle’s visit to China in September, where he secured over £1 billion of 5-year market access for British firms, impacting car making, food and drink industries.
