The Chinese President told Keir Starmer the world was in a “turbulent and fluid” state, and said closer ties between the UK and China was “imperative” in a veiled dig at Donald Trump
Chinese President Xi Jinping appeared to make a subtle dig at US Presidents Donald Trump during a meeting with Keir Starmer in China.
During talks in Beijing, he declared that Britain and China must “work together for the sake of world peace and stability” during these chaotic times.
Xi Jinping described the global situation as “turbulent and fluid”, arguing that strengthened relations between the UK and China were “imperative”, whether it was “for the sake of world peace and stability or for our two countries’ economies and peoples”.
His comments could be interpreted as a dig at Donald Trump’s unpredictable presidency, given the US leader’s frequent threats to impose tariffs on allies, , reports the Mirror.
The leaders convened at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, during Mr Starmer’s three-day visit to China – the first by a British PM in eight years.
President Xi acknowledged the relationship had recently experienced “twists and turns that did not serve the interests of our countries”
In what appeared to be a sharp criticism of the Conservatives, he remarked: “In the past, Labour governments made important contributions to the growth of China-UK relations.”
The Chinese Premier informed Mr Starmer that both men would “stand the test of history” if they managed to “rise above differences.”
He added: “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 fortitude.”
The president quoted a Chinese proverb: “Range far your eye over long distances”. 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.”
Referencing the approaching Chinese new year, he described the visit as “a sign of auspiciousness.”
The Prime Minister remarked it had been “too long” since a British prime minister had visited the nation.
He stated: “China is a vital player on the global stage and it is vital that we build a more sophisticated relationship.”
The PM explained he had everyday Britons in mind during the visit, which aims to strengthen economic connections and attract Chinese investment.
Mr Starmer declared: “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.”
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