Photo: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro on Monday, 18th November. Credit: Stefan Rousseau/PA

The meeting, held at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Rio de Janeiro, lasted approximately 20 minutes.

During this brief but significant engagement, Prime Minister Starmer emphasised the importance of a 'strong UK-China relationship' for the benefit of both nations and the broader international community, calling for relations to be 'consistent, durable, and respectful.'

'The UK will be a predictable, consistent, sovereign actor committed to the rule of law,' said PM Starmer. 

A UK government press release stated that Prime Minister Starmer underscored the need for China and the UK to collaborate in supporting global stability, fostering economic co-operation, and advancing the global clean energy transition. He underscored that much more must be done to achieve net zero, with both nations playing a vital role in this effort.

During the discussion, the Prime Minister proposed a visit to Beijing or London for a full bilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang. He also suggested that Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves meet her counterpart, Minister He Lifeng, early in the new year to 'explore more investment projects and a more level playing field to help our businesses.'

A readout from Xinhua quoted PM Starmer as noting that China and the UK share 'extensive common interests' and 'bear important responsibilities in solving global challenges and maintaining world peace and development.' The UK, he stated, seeks to deepen cooperation with China in areas such as 'economy and trade, science and technology, finance, healthcare, education, and climate change.'

PM Starmer also raised sensitive issues, including human rights, Taiwan, parliamentary sanctions, and the case of Jimmy Lai.

Xinhua's coverage highlighted President Xi’s comments to PM Starmer, in which he stressed that the UK and China have significant roles to play in advancing their respective nations while addressing global challenges. President Xi called for both nations to remain strategic partners, pursue open cooperation, and maintain healthy and stable relations.

Despite their differences, President Xi remarked that the UK and China have 'broad space for cooperation' and should work together to 'promote political solutions to pressing issues, strengthen global governance of artificial intelligence, and contribute to world economic growth and shared development among nations.'

UK-China relations have seen steady improvement since Labour's rise to power in July. PM Starmer and President Xi had their first phone call in August, followed by Foreign Minister David Lammy’s visit to Beijing in October. During that trip, Lammy met with key Chinese political leaders, including Premier Li Qiang, and engaged with UK businesses including the China-Britain Business Council.

Chancellor Reeves is scheduled to visit Beijing early next year to hold the first UK-China Economic and Financial Dialogue since 2019.

Photo: PM Sir Keir Starmer and President Xi Jinping meet at Rio de Janeiro's Sheraton Hotel. Credit: Stefan Rousseau/PA