UK PM Keir Starmer announces reduced whisky tariffs and visa-free travel for Britons in China after talks with President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
BEIJING: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed “really good progress” after talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He cited advancements on visa-free travel and reduced tariffs for UK whisky exports during his visit to Beijing.
Starmer told Xi that China is a “vital player on the global stage”. He stressed the need to “build a more sophisticated relationship where we identify opportunities to collaborate”.
The Chinese leader also emphasised stronger ties with a “long-term view”. He described the international situation as “complex”.
Downing Street confirmed the new whisky tariff would be 5%, down from 10%. Beijing also agreed to visa-free travel for British passport holders on visits under 30 days.
The move brings Britain in line with about 50 other countries. It follows a similar agreement between China and Canada this month.
Starmer signed several cooperation agreements after meeting Premier Li Qiang. These covered targeting smugglers’ supply chains, British exports, health, and a UK-China trade commission.
Li said the resumption of “dialogue and exchanges in multiple fields… fully demonstrates that China and the UK are adhering to development and cooperation”. Starmer reiterated his commitment to “find ways to work together”.
The issue of irregular migrants is highly sensitive for Starmer’s government. He has promised to crack down on people smugglers fuelling Channel crossings.
Starmer told reporters he had a “respectful discussion” with Xi on the case of Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai. He said they also discussed the treatment of Uyghurs in Xinjiang.
Beijing has been accused of detaining over a million Uyghurs and other Muslims since 2017. Alleged spying, cyber attacks, and China’s stance on Ukraine also strain ties.
The visit is the first by a British premier since 2018. It follows a wave of Western leaders seeking rapprochement with Beijing amid tensions with the US.
Starmer is accompanied by around 60 business leaders. British pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca announced a USD 15 billion investment in China through 2030.
China remains Britain’s third-largest trading partner. Starmer will travel to Shanghai on Friday before a brief stop in Japan.
