Xi Signals Readiness for Granting British Citizens Visa-Free Entry
The nations must strengthen cultural connections and streamline cross-border movement, Xi stated in the 90-minute discussions held in the Chinese capital, a state-run news agency, reported.
The Asian giant currently extends visa-free entry to 48 countries under its unilateral access program, with China having rolled out such arrangements for dozens of nations.
Starmer's arrival in Beijing represents the first visit by a British head of government to China in six years, occurring against a backdrop of escalating trade disputes over US tariffs and divisions among Western powers regarding issues such as Washington's territorial interests in Greenland.
The UK leader brought a delegation of approximately 60 executives, scholars, and cultural figures on the diplomatic mission.
Xi urged both nations to champion genuine multilateralism together "as supporters for multilateralism and free trade."
"International law can only be truly effective when all countries abide by it," he said, warning that powerful nations "should take the lead in particular, otherwise, the world would risk regressing into the law of jungle."
The Chinese leader pushed for London and Beijing to reform global governance structures to make them "more just and equitable" and advance an "equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning confirmed.
Xi advocated for collaboration across healthcare, education, financial services, and other sectors, while promoting joint initiatives in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, renewable energy, and climate-friendly technologies.
Starmer presented Xi with the ball from the recent English Premier League clash between Manchester United and Arsenal, media disclosed. Xi is known to support Manchester United.
The gap since the last British prime ministerial visit to China spans eight years, which is "far too long," Starmer told Xi during their encounter.
In a separate briefing Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun characterized the leaders' exchange as a "successful meeting."
"The two leaders agreed that China and the UK will develop a long-term and consistent, comprehensive strategic partnership. This reflects the two sides latest aspiration for China-UK relations, and also provides a sound and stable expectation for cooperation between various sectors of the two sides," he said.
Taiwan and Hong Kong featured in the discussions, a Chinese Foreign Ministry summary indicated.
London's position on Taiwan remains static and unchanged, the summary noted. The UK maintains no diplomatic ties with Taiwan nor recognizes it as an independent state.
Both countries share interests in Hong Kong's continued stability and economic success, with the UK welcoming Hong Kong as "a unique and important bridge" linking the two powers, the readout added.
The Ukraine conflict and additional regional and global matters were also addressed by the leaders.
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