China and the U.K. to pursue a strategic partnership, Xi says

Chinese leader Xi Jinping and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met in Beijing and said their countries would work toward a long-term, comprehensive strategic partnership; the talks reportedly included progress on whisky tariffs, visa-free travel, and cooperation on irregular migration, and Starmer raised the case of Jimmy Lai.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Beijing and met Chinese leader Xi Jinping this week. Both men described a desire to reset relations after years of strain over Hong Kong and other issues. Xi said China was willing to develop a long-term, stable and comprehensive strategic partnership with Britain. Starmer travelled with business leaders and highlighted economic and diplomatic goals. Key developments: - Xi Jinping said China was willing to develop a long-term, stable and comprehensive strategic partnership with the U.K. - Keir Starmer said China is a vital global player and called for a more sophisticated relationship that allows cooperation and dialogue where there is disagreement. - British officials reported progress in talks on whisky tariffs, visa-free travel arrangements, and information exchange and cooperation on irregular migration. - Starmer reportedly held a respectful discussion with Xi about Jimmy Lai, the Hong Kong media figure awaiting sentencing on national security charges. - The visit follows recent trips by other U.S. allies to Beijing and is the first U.K. prime ministerial visit since 2018. Summary: The meeting was presented as a diplomatic reset that included economic and migration-related discussions and a raised concern about an ongoing Hong Kong case. Impact on domestic politics and the full scope of future agreements remain to be seen. Undetermined at this time.