Xi and Starmer commit to “long-term and strategic” relationship between China and the United Kingdom

The President of China, Xi Jinping, and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, have stressed within the framework of the British leader’s visit to Beijing their commitment to building a “coherent, long-term and strategic” relationship between both countries.

“They affirmed their shared commitment to building a coherent, long-term and strategic partnership that benefits both countries,” said a statement from Downing Street after the meeting between the British prime minister and the Chinese leader.

“They agreed that they would continue to improve cooperation in areas of mutual interest, while maintaining frank and open dialogue on areas of disagreement,” Starmer’s office stressed, underlining that the British prime minister raised issues “of concern to the United Kingdom.”

For his part, the Asian leader has stressed that China “does not pose a threat to other countries”, regardless of their growth and development, reported the state news agency Xinhua.

Amid criticism of Beijing for its growing presence in the Arctic, Xi has emphasized the country’s commitment to “peaceful development,” insisting that China “has never started a war, nor occupied an inch of foreign territory.”