British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Beijing on January 28, 2026, beginning an official visit to China aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, expanding trade cooperation and engaging Chinese leadership on issues of mutual interest. The visit, which extends through January 31, marks the first trip by a British prime minister to China in eight years. 
Starmer was welcomed by Chinese officials upon landing and is leading a delegation of senior British business leaders representing sectors including finance, medicine, manufacturing and technology. The delegation reflects the United Kingdom’s interest in deepening economic ties with China’s large and rapidly evolving market, while also addressing geopolitical and security considerations. 
During his stay, Starmer is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang and other top officials. Discussions are expected to cover trade, investment, climate cooperation and global security, as well as challenges in the international landscape. The visit follows increased engagement between Western leaders and Beijing amid shifting global diplomatic dynamics. 
The trip comes against a backdrop of complex relations between the United Kingdom, China and other global powers. Starmer’s government has stated that it seeks a pragmatic approach to China, balancing economic opportunity with caution on national security and human rights issues. 
In addition to Beijing, the prime minister and his delegation are expected to visit Shanghai later in the week for talks with business and regional leaders, further highlighting the broad scope of economic dialogue between the two nations.
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