China – UK: Xi Jinping’s Phone Conversation with Starmer

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called Chinese President Xi Jinping on the phone to discuss the current situation and prospects for the development of bilateral relations, as well as the dialog between London and Beijing on the most pressing international issues, from Ukraine to the Middle East. According to a statement released by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President Xi Jinping, in congratulating Starmer on his assumption of office, emphasized that “the two countries, as permanent members of the UN Security Council and important economic powers, should take a strategic and long-term view of their relationship, especially in the current international context of change and instability.”

In addition, the Chinese president expressed hope that the Starmer government would “objectively and rationally consider” the path China has taken in recent years aiming for “modernization and development,” stressing that “this path will create new opportunities for China’s partner countries around the world, including Great Britain.”

“On the Chinese side,” Xi Jinping said, “there is a willingness to improve mutual understanding and trust, create synergies, expand cooperation in sectors such as financial services, green economy, and artificial intelligence, and deepen people-to-people ties.”

For his part, Starmer said that “developing closer long-term cooperation between the United Kingdom and China is in the interests of both sides,” noting in particular “cooperation on trade, finance, education, energy, health, and climate issues.” The British Prime Minister called for strengthening dialog at all levels to develop “a stable and enduring” strategic relationship in a spirit of mutual respect.

The United Kingdom is also committed to engaging with China on important international and regional issues to help strengthen global security and stability. Finally, on the Taiwan issue, Starmer assured the Chinese chairman that “there will be no change in Britain’s long-term policy of recognizing a unified China.”