British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Beijing on January 28, 2026, marking the first visit by a UK premier to the Chinese mainland since 2018. The three-day diplomatic mission aims to revitalize economic cooperation between the two nations, with Starmer accompanied by a delegation of 40 business executives and two cabinet ministers.
President Xi Jinping will host the British leader for a working lunch on Thursday, followed by formal talks with Premier Li Qiang. The visit concludes with a Shanghai stopover before Starmer continues to Japan, underscoring Britain's renewed focus on Asian partnerships.
"This trip represents a new chapter in the healthy development of China-UK relations," stated Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, emphasizing opportunities for expanded practical cooperation. British officials confirmed trade negotiations will dominate the agenda, particularly in green energy and advanced manufacturing sectors.
The diplomatic push follows similar recent visits by Western leaders to Beijing, reflecting China's growing role in global economic recovery efforts. Starmer told reporters before departure that the mission would "deliver real progress" for British businesses seeking Asian market access.
