Why Britain seeks to take its relationship with China to ‘new level’ as Keir Starmer visits
London’s ambassador to Beijing outlines hopes for ties built on ‘mutual respect and trust’ ahead of the prime minister’s four-day trip
Peter Wilson told reporters on Tuesday that Britain was taking a long-term “strategic approach” to China and that London sought “a relationship that is consistent”.
“We want to build the kind of relationship of mutual respect and trust between our leadership that allows us to take this relationship to a new level,” Wilson said when asked how Britain would advance its ties with China.
“Stabilise, put in place structures and then do practical things … It’s a practical, forward-looking approach.”
Beijing’s foreign ministry on Tuesday confirmed that Starmer would pay a four-day visit to China starting Wednesday. It will be the first visit by a British prime minister in eight years.
Wilson said Starmer would be accompanied by a “top-level delegation of ministers”, including those handling trade and the economy, alongside some 50 businesses and cultural organisations.