UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Meet President Xi Jinping at G20 Summit
Key dialogue on China engagement, Ukraine support, and economic cooperation
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
This marks the first in-person meeting between a UK prime minister and the Chinese president since 2018.
The UK government aims for 'stable and pragmatic engagement' with China, focusing on international stability, climate change, and economic growth.
Sir Keir emphasized the importance of honest discussions on disagreements and highlighted the UK's agenda to bolster support for Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict with Russia.
He called on G20 nations to support Ukraine, warning of severe consequences if Russia prevails.
The summit corresponds with reports of US-authorized long-range missile use in Ukraine and follows UK defense efforts to aid Kyiv.
Relations with China, especially concerning its military support to Russia, remain tense.
The last UK prime minister to meet Xi was Theresa May in 2018, during what was termed a 'golden era' for UK-China relations.
However, recent years have seen strained relations over human rights concerns.
Despite these tensions, the UK acknowledges the need for cooperation with China on global issues.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy recently engaged with Chinese officials in Beijing.
The G20 summit, comprising major global economies and the African and European Unions, also focuses on economic growth, climate transition, and development in emerging economies.