Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, marking the first in-person meeting between a UK prime minister and the Chinese president since 2018. The government is seeking “stable and pragmatic engagement” with China, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic dialogue while maintaining a clear stance on areas of disagreement.
Starmer has outlined his approach to the meeting, stating that it is in the UK’s best interests to engage on the global stage, both with close allies and with countries that have differing values. He aims to discuss critical global issues, with “shoring up support for Ukraine” being a top priority. The prime minister believes that close cooperation with leading economies is vital for securing investment and stimulating economic growth.
The potential meeting comes against a backdrop of complex diplomatic tensions. Previously, the UK has been critical of China’s actions, including its treatment of Uyghur minorities in Xinjiang and pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong. Last year, then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described China as “the biggest state-based threat to our economic security.”
Despite these challenges, both the current and previous governments have recognized the need to engage with China on crucial global issues such as climate change, international stability, and economic development. Foreign Secretary David Lammy recently held talks with Chinese officials in Beijing, signaling a continued diplomatic approach.
Downing Street has emphasized that any engagement will be “rooted at all times in the UK’s national interests.” The government wants to have honest conversations about areas of disagreement while also exploring opportunities for mutual cooperation.
The G20 summit, comprising 19 countries with the largest global economies, the African Union, and the European Union, provides a significant platform for these discussions. Starmer plans to focus on several key objectives during the summit, including:
1. Building partnerships to increase economic growth and security
2. Accelerating the transition to clean energy
3. Supporting economic development in developing countries
The last time a British prime minister met President Xi was in 2018 when Theresa May hailed a “golden era” of UK-China relations. However, the geopolitical landscape has changed significantly since then, with increased tensions over military support for Russia’s war in Ukraine and other international concerns.
This upcoming meeting represents an important diplomatic opportunity for the UK to redefine its relationship with China, balancing strategic engagement with a clear-eyed approach to areas of potential conflict and disagreement.
The prime minister’s strategy appears to be one of pragmatic diplomacy: maintaining open lines of communication while being prepared to address challenging issues directly and protect British national interests.
