U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in Brazil, expressing a desire for a robust and lasting relationship between the U.K. and China. This meeting comes after years of strained relations over security and human rights issues. Starmer addressed sensitive topics, including the detention of Hong Kong activist Jimmy Lai, while emphasizing economic collaboration, particularly in climate change and clean energy.
During a meeting at the G20 summit in Brazil, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his ambition for a robust and sustainable relationship with China, marking the first encounter between a British leader and Chinese President Xi Jinping in several years. Starmer’s administration, having assumed power following a decisive election victory for the Labour Party, aims to address previously strained ties stemming from issues related to security, human rights, and China’s support of Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. He emphasized the desire for relations that are “consistent, durable, [and] respectful,” and condemned any surprises in diplomatic engagement. In addition to fostering economic collaboration, particularly concerning climate change and clean energy transition, Starmer did not shy away from addressing sensitive matters. He raised concerns regarding the treatment of Jimmy Lai, a U.K. citizen and pro-democracy activist detained in Hong Kong since December 2020, indicating a commitment to addressing human rights issues. Notably, journalists were asked to exit the room when this topic was discussed, underscoring the delicacy of the conversation. Starmer’s office reiterated his intention to engage in candid dialogue about contentious issues, aligning with his comments that the U.K. and China must work towards greater cooperation despite their differences. In response, Xi acknowledged the potential for a deeper political trust and collaboration, as conveyed by China’s state news agency, Xinhua. This pivotal meeting follows recent diplomatic gestures, including a visit by U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy to Beijing for discussions with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi.
The context of this meeting between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Xi Jinping is significant due to the deteriorated relations between the U.K. and China in recent years. Concerns over human rights violations, particularly in Hong Kong, as well as China’s geopolitical maneuvers such as its support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict, have led to a cooling of relations. Starmer’s outreach is indicative of a desire to reset this relationship, aiming for a pragmatic and constructive engagement that addresses both countries’ shared global challenges.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s meeting with President Xi Jinping signifies a pivotal moment in U.K.-China relations. By advocating for a strong partnership built on mutual respect and cooperation, particularly on issues like climate change, Starmer seeks to mend ties that have frayed due to various geopolitical tensions. Acknowledging sensitive issues such as human rights underscores the complexities of diplomatic engagement, as both nations navigate their differences in an increasingly interconnected world.
Original Source: apnews.com
