During his visit to China, Starmer discussed with Xi about collaboration and bilateral tensions, emphasizing the need for a mature relationship.

On the most important day of his four-day visit to China, British Labour leader Keir Starmer was received by President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People for a discussion lasting about 40 minutes, followed by a working lunch. Starmer emphasized the importance of building a more sophisticated relationship that would allow for the identification of collaboration opportunities and an open dialogue on divergences. Xi acknowledged that bilateral relations have had "ups and downs" in recent years. This visit, the first by a British prime minister since 2018, takes place against the backdrop of tensions between the United Kingdom and the United States. Starmer brought a symbolic gift, a ball from a Premier League match, to strengthen bilateral relations. After the meeting with Xi, Starmer will participate in economic events with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and will visit Shanghai, before going to Tokyo for a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.