PM Starmer Meets Xi Jinping: UK Seeks Economic Ties Amidst Global Shifts

• British PM Keir Starmer met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, marking the first UK PM visit in eight years, aiming to deepen economic engagement.
• Starmer, accompanied by over 50 British business leaders, emphasized delivering for the British people and expanding trade, investment, and cooperation.
• British firms like Standard Chartered and Haleon expressed optimism about China's economic prospects and reaffirmed investment commitments, citing significant trade volumes.
• The visit occurs amidst shifting global dynamics, balancing economic opportunities with security concerns and drawing criticism over national security and human rights.
• The diplomatic outreach is seen as a recalibration by Western nations, seeking alternatives to unpredictable US policies, while navigating complex transatlantic relations.

Why It Matters: PM Starmer's China visit aims to boost UK-China economic ties amidst global shifts, balancing opportunity with security.