The recent meeting between Sir Keir Starmer, the British Prime Minister, and President Xi Jinping of China has generated considerable intrigue, particularly given the historical context of UK-China relations. For many years, these relations have been strained, largely due to outspoken controversies regarding Hong Kong’s democracy, human rights violations in Xinjiang, and allegations of cyber threats directed at UK institutions. This adversarial atmosphere has been compounded by a coalition of cross-party Members of Parliament who are vocal advocates for a more aggressive stance against China. Despite this backdrop, Starmer appears determined to enhance diplomatic ties with China, striking a nuanced balance between advocating for human rights and exploring avenues for cooperation.
Starmer’s notable engagement occurred at the G20 summit in Brazil, marking the first interaction of this kind between a British Prime Minister and President Xi in over six years; the last encounter was with Theresa May in 2018. During this pivotal meeting, Starmer asserted the significance of a strong bilateral relationship for the benefit of both nations and the international community. He articulated a desire for a diplomatic relationship that is “consistent, durable, and respectful,” reflecting a shift towards a more predictable and cooperative stance from the UK, moving away from the unpredictability that has characterized recent relations.
This diplomatic overture has not gone without criticism. Several members of the Conservative Party have lambasted Starmer for pursuing warmer relations with China, a move they argue contradicts the promises he made during the opposition, particularly regarding China’s human rights abuses. Downing Street stated that Starmer was candid in addressing contentious issues with President Xi, including vital topics such as the status of Hong Kong, human rights abuses, and the ongoing conflict stemming from Russia’s war on Ukraine. Notably, Starmer raised the situation of Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy activist incarcerated in Hong Kong, voicing concern over reports regarding his health decline.
Amidst these dialogues, a significant underlying motive for Starmer emerges: the desire to enhance trade relations with China in a bid to stimulate economic growth within the UK. He has frequently emphasized that China represents the world’s second largest economy and serves as one of the UK’s most crucial trading partners. Not only does this economic rationale play a critical role in his strategy, but it also signifies a potential shift in traditional perspectives towards China within British policy circles.
Starmer’s initiative also includes plans for further high-level engagements, with an invitation for either a full UK-China meeting to be held in London or Beijing. His Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, is slated to make a visit to China in the spring, which could present additional opportunities for deepening trade relations. However, these plans could face significant challenges if the political climate shifts dramatically, particularly with the potential re-election of Donald Trump, who has indicated a desire to enforce rigorous tariffs on Chinese imports and intensify a confrontational stance against Beijing. If such a scenario materializes, it could substantially complicate Starmer’s efforts to engage positively with China.
In summary, Starmer’s approach signifies an intent to recalibrate UK-China relations, as he endeavours to maintain a firm stance on human rights and other contentious issues while also seeking deeper economic ties. However, the volatility introduced by global political shifts — particularly in the context of US-China dynamics and the implications of a Trump presidency — poses a significant risk to the sustainability of this new diplomatic strategy. Ultimately, the question remains whether Starmer’s policies can effectively navigate these turbulent international waters, ensuring that the UK remains consistent and proactive in its dealings with a complex global player like China.
