China and Britain aim for long-term partnership as Xi Jinping and Keir Starmer meet in Beijing
Starmer, the first UK leader to travel to China since 2018, says it is ‘vital to build a more sophisticated relationship’
Later, Starmer announced that several agreements had been struck with Beijing, including visa-free entry for British citizens to China for up to 30 days and an agreement to study the feasibility of entering negotiations towards a bilateral services agreement.
Britain is the world’s second-largest exporter of services and demand from China in this area is growing. A services partnership could make it easier for British firms to do business in China.
Xi Jinping urges stable partnership in talks with UK leader
During their talks at the Great Hall of the People, Xi and Starmer agreed to develop a “long-term and stable comprehensive strategic partnership”, according to state news agency Xinhua.
In addition, Xi urged the two countries – as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and major economies – to strengthen collaboration to protect world peace and stability.