PM Starmer: UK, China Must Maintain Open Dialogue Amid Strategic Partnership

• Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the UK and China's commitment to a long-term strategic partnership while maintaining open dialogue on disagreements.
• Starmer met with President Xi in Beijing, marking the first visit by a British leader in eight years, aiming to stabilize a complex relationship.
• A key outcome of the visit was a deal for 30 days of visa-free travel to China for UK citizens, applicable for business and tourism.
• Discussions also included lower Chinese tariffs on whisky and a $15 billion investment by AstraZeneca into China.
• Starmer and Xi discussed trade, security, the war in Ukraine, soccer, and Shakespeare, highlighting the need for a sophisticated relationship.

Why It Matters: UK and China aim for a strategic partnership with open dialogue, securing visa-free travel and economic deals.