Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer was photographed while working aboard a government aircraft on Sunday, en route to the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. AFP

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer plans to establish a 'pragmatic' relationship with China, grounded in the UK's national interests, during his meeting with President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Brazil on Monday. This encounter marks the first time a British prime minister has met with Xi since 2018, as Starmer's Labour government aims to reset ties with China after years of tensions over human rights, Hong Kong, and allegations of Chinese espionage. The relationship between London and Beijing has soured over the past decade, with Britain expressing concerns that unrestricted Chinese investment could pose national security risks and that China's military and economic assertiveness might undermine its interests. However, Starmer seems to be focusing on the need to enhance trade to bolster the economy, a challenge that could intensify if US President-elect Donald Trump carries out his threat to impose tariffs on all imports, and as Britain continues to adjust to life outside the European Union.

'Close cooperation with the world's leading economies is crucial to secure investment into the UK and create the jobs needed to drive growth,' Starmer stated in a recent announcement. China ranks as Britain's sixth-largest trading partner, accounting for 5% of goods and services trade valued at 86.5 billion pounds ($112 billion), while Britain holds a 1.2% market share of Chinese trade. The two leaders first spoke in August, with Starmer emphasizing the importance of candid discussions about their differences while pursuing closer economic ties. Xi responded by expressing hope that Britain would view China 'objectively and rationally.'

The Labour administration, which came to power in July, has initiated an audit of the UK-China relationship, and its more business-friendly approach is likely to face strong opposition from the Conservative party, which remains cautious about Beijing. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy visited China last month, and finance minister Rachel Reeves is contemplating a trip to Beijing in early 2025.

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