Xi tells Starmer ‘twists and turns’ in relationship harm Britain

Xi Jinping has told Sir Keir Starmer recent “twists and turns” in Britain’s relationship with China have damaged both countries, as they held face-to-face talks in Beijing.

The Chinese president singled out Labour governments for praise, saying they had “made important contributions to the growth of China-UK relations”.

Mr Xi also said that the two leaders should work together for “world peace”, quoting a Chinese proverb about overcoming differences: “Range far your eye over long distances.”

The Prime Minister said it was time for a “more sophisticated” relationship with Beijing as he sought to thaw what he has dubbed an “Ice Age” in ties between the two nations.

Sir Keir has been accused of “kowtowing” to Beijing by making the trip despite mounting fears about the Communist state’s threat to national security.

Last week, Labour came under fire for granting China planning permission to build a “super-embassy” in London which Beijing could use to spy on Britain.

The dramatic collapse of a case against two alleged Chinese spies in Westminster also fuelled a public row about the Government’s relationship with Beijing.

However, Sir Keir has defended his visit by claiming that he can make Britons richer without jeopardising national security. The trip makes Sir Keir the first British prime minister to visit the country since Theresa May in 2018.

Labour ‘made important contributions’ to ties with China

Speaking to the cameras in the Great Hall of the People, which is used for legislative and ceremonial activities, Mr Xi said: “China-UK relations went through some twists and turns that did not serve the interests of our countries.”

Mr Xi did not single out what “twists and turns” he had in mind, but his decision to praise Labour appeared to be a swipe at recent Tory governments.

Under the Conservatives, Huawei, the Chinese telecoms company, was locked out of building Britain’s 5G network and Chinese state companies were barred from investing in UK nuclear projects.

Describing the state of the world as “turbulent and fluid”, the Chinese president said more dialogue between Britain and China was “imperative”, whether it was “for the sake of world peace and stability or for our two countries’ economies and peoples”.

“In the past, Labour governments made important contributions to the growth of China-UK relations,” Mr Xi said.

He added: “China stands ready to develop with the UK a long-term and consistent strategic partnership. It will benefit our two peoples.”

Mr Xi told Sir Keir: “Your visit this time has drawn a lot of attention. Sometimes good things take time. As long as it is the right thing that serves the fundamental interests of the country and the people, then as leaders we should not shy away from difficulties and we should press ahead with fortitude.”

He added: “As long as we take a broad perspective, rise above differences and respect each other, then we will prove ourselves able to stand the test of history.”

‘Now is not the time for Starmer to be visiting China’

Mentioning the upcoming Chinese new year, he said Sir Keir’s visit was “a sign of auspiciousness”.

The Prime Minister said in his opening remarks: “China is a vital player on the global stage and it is vital that we build a more sophisticated relationship.”

Stressing the economic benefits of an improved relationship with China, Sir Keir said: “It is with the British people in mind that I am here today.

“I made the promise 18 months ago when we were elected into government that I would make Britain face outwards again.

“Because as we all know, events abroad affect everything that happens back in our home countries, to prices on the supermarket shelves to how secure we feel.”

Before meeting Mr Xi, Sir Keir was welcomed by the National People’s Congress chairman Zhao Leji.

Mr Zhao praised the Prime Minister’s efforts to reach a rapprochement with China, saying relations were on “the correct track to improvement and development” and “positive progress has been made”.

Kemi Badenoch, the Tory leader, has accused Sir Keir of “kowtowing” to Beijing. 

Writing in the Telegraph, she warned: “We cannot be naïve. China is also a threat to Britain. It is a country that does not believe in democracy, it has sanctioned our MPs, it disrupts the global trade system, oppresses the Uyghur Muslims and has aggressive designs on Taiwan. We need to have a relationship with China; we do not need to be in hock to China.”

At a press conference in London on Wednesday, she also said that the Prime Minister should not be visiting China.

“Would I be going to China? No, not now, because I don’t think that this is the time to do that. We need to be talking to those other countries who are worried about the threat China is posing to them,” she said.

[Source: Daily Telegraph]