Xi Jinping, President of China, said the world was in a “turbulent and fluid” state, and had a message for Keir Starmer when the leaders met in Beijing on Thursday
Britain and China must “work together for the sake of world peace and stability” in tumultuous times, the Chinese President told Keir Starmer as the pair met in Beijing today.
Xi Jinping said the world was in a “turbulent and fluid” state, and said closer ties between the UK and China was “imperative”, whether it was “for the sake of world peace and stability or for our two countries’ economies and peoples”.
His remark could be seen as a comment on Donald Trump’s chaotic tenure in the White House, as the US President regularly threatens to slap tariffs on allies. The leaders met today at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, as part of Mr Starmer’s three-day trip to China – the first by a British PM in eight years.
President Xi said the relationship in recent years had seen “twists and turns that did not serve the interests of our countries”. In a pointed swipe at the Tories, he said: “In the past, Labour governments made important contributions to the growth of China-UK relations.”
READ MORE: Donald Trump at odds with his own spy agencies over Chagos, Keir Starmer says
The Chinese Premier told Mr Starmer the two men would “stand the test of history” if they could “rise above differences.” He said: “Your visit this time has drawn a lot of attention. Sometimes good things take time.
“As long as it is the right thing that serves the fundamental interests of the country and the people, then as leaders we should not shy away from difficulties and we should press ahead fortitude.”
The president quoted a Chinese proverb: “Range far your eye over long distances”. He added: “As long as we take a broad perspective, rise above differences and respect each other, then we will prove ourselves able to stand the test of history.”
Mentioning the upcoming Chinese new year, he said the visit was “a sign of auspiciousness.” The Prime Minister said it had been “too long” since a British prime minister visited the country.
He said: “China is a vital player on the global stage and it is vital that we build a more sophisticated relationship.” The PM said he had ordinary Brits in mind on the visit, which is aimed at shoring up economic ties to drum up Chinese business.
Mr Starmer said: “I made the promise 18 months ago when we were elected into government that I would make Britain face outwards again. Because as we all know, events abroad affect everything that happens back in our home countries, to prices on the supermarket shelves to how secure we feel.”
