Starmer meets Xi Jinping, raising questions about ties with US
Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the UK (photo: Getty Images)
London is betting on a pragmatic reset of dialogue with Beijing, stressing that economic interests will not come at the expense of security concerns, according to a report by The Independent.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he intends to relaunch and stabilize relations with China, emphasizing Beijing’s importance to the British economy.
According to Starmer, London’s previous approach to engagement with China was inconsistent and failed to establish stable and predictable ties.
Economic cooperation and security boundaries
Keir Starmer stressed that expanding economic ties with China will not come at the expense of the United Kingdom’s national security.
The prime minister emphasized that London intends to maintain clear limits on sensitive issues, seeking to balance pragmatic cooperation with the protection of its own interests.
Why dialogue matters
According to Starmer, disengaging from Beijing would not serve the country’s interests, as it would restrict economic opportunities and reduce the UK’s influence on the international stage.
He noted that dialogue remains necessary even amid serious disagreements, adding that isolation does not deliver practical results.
Starmer’s stance on China
The prime minister stressed that closer engagement with China does not mean ignoring contentious issues, including security concerns and human rights.
According to Starmer, London intends to address disagreements openly while staying within clearly defined principles.
“But like it or not, China matters for the UK,” Keir Starmer said.
Earlier, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer sharply criticized US President Donald Trump's remarks on the role of NATO forces in Afghanistan, calling them offensive and a cause for serious concern.
Starmer has also stated that he will not take part in the so-called Peace Board created by President Trump because it includes Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
