{"id":16761,"date":"2026-01-29T04:39:05","date_gmt":"2026-01-29T04:39:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/?p=16761"},"modified":"2026-01-29T04:39:05","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T04:39:05","slug":"starmer-xi-meeting-live-uk-prime-minister-says-he-wants-more-sophisticated-relationship-with-china-keir-starmer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/?p=16761","title":{"rendered":"Starmer-Xi meeting live: UK prime minister says he wants \u2018more sophisticated\u2019 relationship with China | Keir Starmer"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div id=\"liveblog-body\"><span class=\"dcr-90inr0\"><gu-island name=\"KeyEventsCarousel\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;keyEvents&quot;:[{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;697ae3d48f087bf3607f0ea3&quot;,&quot;elements&quot;:[{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;The meeting between &lt;strong&gt;Keir Starmer&lt;\/strong&gt; and &lt;strong&gt;Xi Jinping&lt;\/strong&gt; has ended, Downing Street has confirmed.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;071064c3-7266-40ef-b013-4e6fd8092a8a&quot;}],&quot;attributes&quot;:{&quot;pinned&quot;:false,&quot;keyEvent&quot;:true,&quot;summary&quot;:false},&quot;blockCreatedOn&quot;:1769661396000,&quot;blockCreatedOnDisplay&quot;:&quot;04.36\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockLastUpdated&quot;:1769661449000,&quot;blockLastUpdatedDisplay&quot;:&quot;04.37\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublished&quot;:1769661420000,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplay&quot;:&quot;04.37\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone&quot;:&quot;04.37&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Starmer-Xi meeting ends&quot;,&quot;contributors&quot;:[],&quot;primaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;Thu 29 Jan 2026 04.38 GMT&quot;,&quot;secondaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;First published on Thu 29 Jan 2026 03.53 GMT&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;697ada968f08925ced967e91&quot;,&quot;elements&quot;:[{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Xi Jinping&lt;\/strong&gt; has told &lt;strong&gt;Keir Starmer&lt;\/strong&gt; their countries must \u201cstrengthen\u201d ties to counter geopolitical headwinds.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;07072459-a0a5-4b93-8aee-0c4c7af61d7d&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;The Chinese leader was quoting as saying at their Beijing meeting on Thursday:&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;abc9219c-a73a-4ef2-9cef-dfeec110d773&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;blockquote class=\\&quot;quoted\\&quot;&gt;\\n &lt;p&gt;The current international situation is complex and intertwined. As permanent members of the UN security council and major global economies, China and the UK need to strengthen dialogue and cooperation.&lt;\/p&gt;\\n&lt;\/blockquote&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;88c59052-58c5-4b9d-b26a-bd7f38de28a4&quot;}],&quot;attributes&quot;:{&quot;pinned&quot;:false,&quot;keyEvent&quot;:true,&quot;summary&quot;:false},&quot;blockCreatedOn&quot;:1769659030000,&quot;blockCreatedOnDisplay&quot;:&quot;03.57\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockLastUpdated&quot;:1769659214000,&quot;blockLastUpdatedDisplay&quot;:&quot;04.00\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublished&quot;:1769659182000,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplay&quot;:&quot;03.59\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone&quot;:&quot;03.59&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Xi says China and UK must 'strengthen' ties&quot;,&quot;contributors&quot;:[],&quot;primaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;Thu 29 Jan 2026 04.38 GMT&quot;,&quot;secondaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;First published on Thu 29 Jan 2026 03.53 GMT&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;697abedb8f087bf3607f0db3&quot;,&quot;elements&quot;:[{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the British PM\u2019s trip to China. &lt;strong&gt;Keir Starmer &lt;\/strong&gt;has told &lt;strong&gt;Xi Jinping&lt;\/strong&gt; he wants a \u201cmore sophisticated\u201d relationship with China.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;3452d298-849b-4b0f-b8d1-c33ec18c3543&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Speaking from Beijing, Starmer told Xi it had been \u201ctoo long\u201d since a British prime minister visited the country.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;561254d5-44ad-4bd1-8f53-882880de7f9f&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;\u201cChina is a vital player on the global stage and it is vital that we build a more sophisticated relationship,\u201d he said.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;613fb707-2a36-4eb0-bb3e-c6d8a4bbe0c8&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;The Guardian\u2019s political editor &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/profile\/pippacrerar\\&quot;&gt;Pippa Crerar&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/strong&gt; is in Beijing reporting on the meeting. Starmer also stressed the economic benefits of an improved relationship with China, saying:&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;49eefac3-6cc6-4c12-bca3-95018169ae6b&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;blockquote class=\\&quot;quoted\\&quot;&gt;\\n &lt;p&gt;It is with the British people in mind that I am here today. I made the promise 18 months ago when we were elected into government that I would make Britain face outwards again.&lt;\/p&gt;\\n &lt;p&gt;Because as we all know, events abroad affect everything that happens back in our home countries, to prices on the supermarket shelves to how secure we feel.&lt;\/p&gt;\\n&lt;\/blockquote&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;7ec47c09-33a8-4bcc-8f1e-80a01a48053e&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Starmer\u2019s trip to Beijing comes as he undertakes talk he hopes will strengthen the UK\u2019s economic relationship with China after years of acrimony and amid British uncertainty on whether the US is still a reliable partner.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;02195d94-1a51-4372-92a8-26446c5bcbc5&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;We will bring you the latest developments in Beijing, live.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;b0c13e9d-b7a7-4ec1-8d25-c9c708a438ab&quot;}],&quot;attributes&quot;:{&quot;pinned&quot;:false,&quot;keyEvent&quot;:true,&quot;summary&quot;:false},&quot;blockCreatedOn&quot;:1769658824000,&quot;blockCreatedOnDisplay&quot;:&quot;03.53\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockLastUpdated&quot;:1769661375000,&quot;blockLastUpdatedDisplay&quot;:&quot;04.36\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublished&quot;:1769658824000,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplay&quot;:&quot;03.53\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone&quot;:&quot;03.53&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Opening summary&quot;,&quot;contributors&quot;:[],&quot;primaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;Thu 29 Jan 2026 04.38 GMT&quot;,&quot;secondaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;First published on Thu 29 Jan 2026 03.53 GMT&quot;}],&quot;filterKeyEvents&quot;:false,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;key-events-carousel-mobile&quot;,&quot;renderingTarget&quot;:&quot;Web&quot;,&quot;serverTime&quot;:1769661545202}\"><span id=\"key-events-carousel-mobile\"\/><span class=\"dcr-90inr0\"><\/p>\n<p>Key events<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/gu-island><gu-island name=\"FilterKeyEventsToggle\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;filterKeyEvents&quot;:false,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;filter-toggle-mobile&quot;}\"><span id=\"filter-toggle-mobile\"\/><\/p>\n<div class=\"dcr-alru3r\"><label id=\"filter-toggle-mobile-switch_description\" data-component=\"filter-key-events\" data-link-name=\"filter-key-events-on\" class=\"dcr-rrspei\"><button id=\"filter-toggle-mobile-switch\" role=\"switch\" aria-checked=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"filter-toggle-mobile-switch_description\" class=\"dcr-dh5oqp\"\/>Show key events only<\/p>\n<p><span>Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/label><\/div>\n<p><\/gu-island><\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"block-697ae3d48f087bf3607f0ea3\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\">\n<h2 class=\"dcr-1wl2b6o\">Starmer-Xi meeting ends<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The meeting between <strong>Keir Starmer<\/strong> and <strong>Xi Jinping<\/strong> has ended, Downing Street has confirmed.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;politics\/live\/2026\/jan\/29\/starmer-xi-jinping-meeting-uk-china-relationship-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-697ae3d48f087bf3607f0ea3&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-697ae3d48f087bf3607f0ea3&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Starmer-Xi meeting live: UK prime minister says he wants \u2018more sophisticated\u2019 relationship with China&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Starmer-Xi meeting live: UK prime minister says he wants \u2018more sophisticated\u2019 relationship with China&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/politics\/live\/2026\/jan\/29\/starmer-xi-jinping-meeting-uk-china-relationship-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-697ae3d48f087bf3607f0ea3#block-697ae3d48f087bf3607f0ea3\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a0<time datetime=\"2026-01-29T04:37:29.000Z\" data-locale=\"en-gb\" title=\"Thursday, 29 January 2026 at 04:37 Greenwich Mean Time\">04.37 GMT<\/time><\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-697adf9d8f087bf3607f0e86\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Before his meeting with <strong>Xi Jinping<\/strong> meeting today, <strong>Keir Starmer<\/strong> was welcomed by National People\u2019s Congress chairman <strong>Zhao Leji<\/strong> at Beijing\u2019s Great Hall of the People.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">A report from the pool of journalists travelling with the British prime minister quotes Zhao as saying it was \u201csignificant\u201d to develop the UK-China relationship \u201cwell\u201d amid the \u201cchanging and turbulent international landscape\u201d.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">He also praised Starmer\u2019s efforts to reach a rapprochement with China, saying relations were now on \u201cthe correct track to improvement and development\u201d and \u201cpositive progress has been made.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Starmer said:<\/p>\n<blockquote data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-154zxly\">\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 14\" style=\"fill:var(--block-quote-fill)\" class=\"dcr-scql1j\"><path d=\"M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z\"\/><\/svg>This is a historic visit, the first by a British prime minister in eight years. We have made this trip because I believe it is strongly in our common interest to find positive ways to work together, and that has been our long-standing position.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The PM finished by saying:<\/p>\n<blockquote data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-154zxly\">\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 14\" style=\"fill:var(--block-quote-fill)\" class=\"dcr-scql1j\"><path d=\"M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z\"\/><\/svg>I look forward to a very productive few days discussing issues of global stability and security, growth and shared challenges like climate change.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<figure id=\"ae3144ac-e183-4dd6-9173-000406e27728\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-fd61eq\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><svg width=\"18\" height=\"13\" viewbox=\"0 0 18 13\"><path d=\"M18 3.5v8l-1.5 1.5h-15l-1.5-1.5v-8l1.5-1.5h3.5l2-2h4l2 2h3.5l1.5 1.5zm-9 7.5c1.9 0 3.5-1.6 3.5-3.5s-1.6-3.5-3.5-3.5-3.5 1.6-3.5 3.5 1.6 3.5 3.5 3.5z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">Starmer and Zhao at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday.<\/span> Photograph: Kin Cheung\/PA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;politics\/live\/2026\/jan\/29\/starmer-xi-jinping-meeting-uk-china-relationship-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-697adf9d8f087bf3607f0e86&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-697adf9d8f087bf3607f0e86&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Starmer-Xi meeting live: UK prime minister says he wants \u2018more sophisticated\u2019 relationship with China&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Starmer-Xi meeting live: UK prime minister says he wants \u2018more sophisticated\u2019 relationship with China&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/politics\/live\/2026\/jan\/29\/starmer-xi-jinping-meeting-uk-china-relationship-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-697adf9d8f087bf3607f0e86#block-697adf9d8f087bf3607f0e86\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a0<time datetime=\"2026-01-29T04:38:11.000Z\" data-locale=\"en-gb\" title=\"Thursday, 29 January 2026 at 04:38 Greenwich Mean Time\">04.38 GMT<\/time><\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-697ad86d8f0834fb2dfa4c89\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">There have been reports the Starmer-Xi meeting is still going after more than an hour, following earlier reports it was scheduled for 40 minutes.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">State news agency Xinhua reported that their talks were expected to cover trade ties, national security and human rights.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The meeting in the Great Hall of the People comes on the most important day of Starmer\u2019s four-day visit to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/china\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" data-component=\"auto-linked-tag\">China<\/a> \u2013 the first by a British PM since 2018.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Starmer told journalists earlier on his flight to Beijing that he wanted to bring \u201cstability and clarity\u201d to the bilateral relationship after years of \u201cinconsistency\u201d under the Tories when it went from \u201cgolden age to ice age\u201d.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">In other developments:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\n<li class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>The British PM is also due to hold meetings with premier Li Qiang and China\u2019s top legislator<\/strong>, Zhao Leji, on Thursday.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Starmer\u2019s trip comes amid tension between the UK and longtime close ally the US<\/strong> over President Donald Trump\u2019s recent remarks including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/jan\/20\/trump-tariffs-over-greenland-are-an-error-says-ursula-von-der-leyen\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">threats to take control of Greenland<\/a> and blasting what he called UK \u201cstupidity\u201d over its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/jan\/20\/trump-greenland-chagos-islands-uk-stupidity\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">decision to cede the Chagos Islands<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>European and other western countries have engaged in a flurry of diplomacy with China<\/strong> as they hedge against US unpredictability, with Starmer\u2019s visit immediately following one from Canadian prime minister Mark Carney, who signed an economic deal with Beijing to take down trade barriers, angering Trump.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>China indicated it was also eager to mend ties with the UK<\/strong>, portraying the relationship with Britain as being at a \u201cpivotal moment\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Starmer told a delegation of business leaders<\/strong> hours after arriving in China on Wednesday that it was time for a \u201cmature\u201d relationship between Britain and the world\u2019s second-biggest economy.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Downing Street said Starmer and Xi would announce that Britain and China would work together to tackle the gangs involved in trafficking illegal migrants<\/strong>, in a sign of how the countries could work together.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Starmer was asked en route to China if he would bring up the case of Jimmy Lai<\/strong> and said that he would \u201craise the issues that need to be raised\u201d on human rights with Xi. Lai, a former Hong Kong media tycoon and British citizen, was convicted in December of national security crimes.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;politics\/live\/2026\/jan\/29\/starmer-xi-jinping-meeting-uk-china-relationship-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-697ad86d8f0834fb2dfa4c89&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-697ad86d8f0834fb2dfa4c89&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Starmer-Xi meeting live: UK prime minister says he wants \u2018more sophisticated\u2019 relationship with China&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Starmer-Xi meeting live: UK prime minister says he wants \u2018more sophisticated\u2019 relationship with China&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/politics\/live\/2026\/jan\/29\/starmer-xi-jinping-meeting-uk-china-relationship-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-697ad86d8f0834fb2dfa4c89#block-697ad86d8f0834fb2dfa4c89\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a0<time datetime=\"2026-01-29T04:33:24.000Z\" data-locale=\"en-gb\" title=\"Thursday, 29 January 2026 at 04:33 Greenwich Mean Time\">04.33 GMT<\/time><\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-697adc578f087bf3607f0e6d\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Some images from the meeting between the two leaders are dropping:<\/p>\n<figure id=\"d100a534-2e21-4dce-8765-f8060ccbe4d3\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-fd61eq\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><svg width=\"18\" height=\"13\" viewbox=\"0 0 18 13\"><path d=\"M18 3.5v8l-1.5 1.5h-15l-1.5-1.5v-8l1.5-1.5h3.5l2-2h4l2 2h3.5l1.5 1.5zm-9 7.5c1.9 0 3.5-1.6 3.5-3.5s-1.6-3.5-3.5-3.5-3.5 1.6-3.5 3.5 1.6 3.5 3.5 3.5z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">Xi Jinping, third left, speaks during a meeting with  Britain&#8217;s Prime Minister Keir Starmer, unseen, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing <\/span> Photograph: Vincent Thian\/AP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"026eadcd-c892-4b80-90a0-49460df03e43\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-fd61eq\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><svg width=\"18\" height=\"13\" viewbox=\"0 0 18 13\"><path d=\"M18 3.5v8l-1.5 1.5h-15l-1.5-1.5v-8l1.5-1.5h3.5l2-2h4l2 2h3.5l1.5 1.5zm-9 7.5c1.9 0 3.5-1.6 3.5-3.5s-1.6-3.5-3.5-3.5-3.5 1.6-3.5 3.5 1.6 3.5 3.5 3.5z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">Keir Starmer, second right, speaks during a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, unseen, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing <\/span> Photograph: Vincent Thian\/AP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"78eccc71-b424-4269-b1a0-01614995e736\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-fd61eq\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><svg width=\"18\" height=\"13\" viewbox=\"0 0 18 13\"><path d=\"M18 3.5v8l-1.5 1.5h-15l-1.5-1.5v-8l1.5-1.5h3.5l2-2h4l2 2h3.5l1.5 1.5zm-9 7.5c1.9 0 3.5-1.6 3.5-3.5s-1.6-3.5-3.5-3.5-3.5 1.6-3.5 3.5 1.6 3.5 3.5 3.5z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">A view of the meeting between Chinese leader Xi Jinping, third left, and Britain&#8217;s prime minister Keir Starmer, second right<\/span> Photograph: Vincent Thian\/AP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;politics\/live\/2026\/jan\/29\/starmer-xi-jinping-meeting-uk-china-relationship-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-697adc578f087bf3607f0e6d&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-697adc578f087bf3607f0e6d&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Starmer-Xi meeting live: UK prime minister says he wants \u2018more sophisticated\u2019 relationship with China&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Starmer-Xi meeting live: UK prime minister says he wants \u2018more sophisticated\u2019 relationship with China&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/politics\/live\/2026\/jan\/29\/starmer-xi-jinping-meeting-uk-china-relationship-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-697adc578f087bf3607f0e6d#block-697adc578f087bf3607f0e6d\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-697adcc28f087bf3607f0e6e\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">More from <strong>Xi Jinping<\/strong> here as he met Keir Starmer: the Chinese leader said the UK-China relationship in recent years had seen \u201ctwists and turns that did not serve the interests of our countries\u201d.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Describing the state of the world as \u201cturbulent and fluid\u201d, Xi said more dialogue between the UK and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/china\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" data-component=\"auto-linked-tag\">China<\/a> was \u201cimperative\u201d, whether it was \u201cfor the sake of world peace and stability or for our two countries\u2019 economies and peoples\u201d, PA Media is reporting.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Xi said:<\/p>\n<blockquote data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-154zxly\">\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 14\" style=\"fill:var(--block-quote-fill)\" class=\"dcr-scql1j\"><path d=\"M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z\"\/><\/svg>In the past, Labour governments made important contributions to the growth of China-UK relations.<\/p>\n<p>China stands ready to develop with the UK a long-term and consistent strategic partnership. It will benefit our two peoples.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;politics\/live\/2026\/jan\/29\/starmer-xi-jinping-meeting-uk-china-relationship-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-697adcc28f087bf3607f0e6e&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-697adcc28f087bf3607f0e6e&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Starmer-Xi meeting live: UK prime minister says he wants \u2018more sophisticated\u2019 relationship with China&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Starmer-Xi meeting live: UK prime minister says he wants \u2018more sophisticated\u2019 relationship with China&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/politics\/live\/2026\/jan\/29\/starmer-xi-jinping-meeting-uk-china-relationship-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-697adcc28f087bf3607f0e6e#block-697adcc28f087bf3607f0e6e\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a0<time datetime=\"2026-01-29T04:08:07.000Z\" data-locale=\"en-gb\" title=\"Thursday, 29 January 2026 at 04:08 Greenwich Mean Time\">04.08 GMT<\/time><\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-697ada968f08925ced967e91\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\">\n<h2 class=\"dcr-1wl2b6o\">Xi says China and UK must &#8216;strengthen&#8217; ties<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Xi Jinping<\/strong> has told <strong>Keir Starmer<\/strong> their countries must \u201cstrengthen\u201d ties to counter geopolitical headwinds.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The Chinese leader was quoting as saying at their Beijing meeting on Thursday:<\/p>\n<blockquote data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-154zxly\">\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 14\" style=\"fill:var(--block-quote-fill)\" class=\"dcr-scql1j\"><path d=\"M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z\"\/><\/svg>The current international situation is complex and intertwined. As permanent members of the UN security council and major global economies, China and the UK need to strengthen dialogue and cooperation.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;politics\/live\/2026\/jan\/29\/starmer-xi-jinping-meeting-uk-china-relationship-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-697ada968f08925ced967e91&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-697ada968f08925ced967e91&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Starmer-Xi meeting live: UK prime minister says he wants \u2018more sophisticated\u2019 relationship with China&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Starmer-Xi meeting live: UK prime minister says he wants \u2018more sophisticated\u2019 relationship with China&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/politics\/live\/2026\/jan\/29\/starmer-xi-jinping-meeting-uk-china-relationship-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-697ada968f08925ced967e91#block-697ada968f08925ced967e91\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a0<time datetime=\"2026-01-29T04:00:14.000Z\" data-locale=\"en-gb\" title=\"Thursday, 29 January 2026 at 04:00 Greenwich Mean Time\">04.00 GMT<\/time><\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-697abedb8f087bf3607f0db3\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\">\n<h2 class=\"dcr-1wl2b6o\">Opening summary<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the British PM\u2019s trip to China. <strong>Keir Starmer <\/strong>has told <strong>Xi Jinping<\/strong> he wants a \u201cmore sophisticated\u201d relationship with China.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Speaking from Beijing, Starmer told Xi it had been \u201ctoo long\u201d since a British prime minister visited the country.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\u201cChina is a vital player on the global stage and it is vital that we build a more sophisticated relationship,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The Guardian\u2019s political editor <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/profile\/pippacrerar\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">Pippa Crerar<\/a><\/strong> is in Beijing reporting on the meeting. Starmer also stressed the economic benefits of an improved relationship with China, saying:<\/p>\n<blockquote data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-154zxly\">\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 14\" style=\"fill:var(--block-quote-fill)\" class=\"dcr-scql1j\"><path d=\"M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z\"\/><\/svg>It is with the British people in mind that I am here today. I made the promise 18 months ago when we were elected into government that I would make Britain face outwards again.<\/p>\n<p>Because as we all know, events abroad affect everything that happens back in our home countries, to prices on the supermarket shelves to how secure we feel.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Starmer\u2019s trip to Beijing comes as he undertakes talk he hopes will strengthen the UK\u2019s economic relationship with China after years of acrimony and amid British uncertainty on whether the US is still a reliable partner.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">We will bring you the latest developments in Beijing, live.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;politics\/live\/2026\/jan\/29\/starmer-xi-jinping-meeting-uk-china-relationship-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-697abedb8f087bf3607f0db3&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-697abedb8f087bf3607f0db3&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Starmer-Xi meeting live: UK prime minister says he wants \u2018more sophisticated\u2019 relationship with China&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Starmer-Xi meeting live: UK prime minister says he wants \u2018more sophisticated\u2019 relationship with China&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/politics\/live\/2026\/jan\/29\/starmer-xi-jinping-meeting-uk-china-relationship-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-697abedb8f087bf3607f0db3#block-697abedb8f087bf3607f0db3\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a0<time datetime=\"2026-01-29T04:36:15.000Z\" data-locale=\"en-gb\" title=\"Thursday, 29 January 2026 at 04:36 Greenwich Mean Time\">04.36 GMT<\/time><\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<p><gu-island name=\"LiveBlogEpic\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"idle\" props=\"{&quot;sectionId&quot;:&quot;politics&quot;,&quot;shouldHideReaderRevenue&quot;:false,&quot;tags&quot;:[{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;politics\/keir-starmer&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Keir Starmer&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;world\/china&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;China&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;world\/xi-jinping&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Xi Jinping&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;uk\/uk&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;UK news&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;world\/series\/europe-live&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Series&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Europe live&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;world\/europe-news&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Europe&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;world\/asia-pacific&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Asia Pacific&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;politics\/politics&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Politics&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;type\/article&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Type&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Article&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;tone\/minutebyminute&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Tone&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Minute by minute&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;tone\/news&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Tone&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;News&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;profile\/adam-fulton&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Contributor&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Adam Fulton&quot;,&quot;bylineImageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/uploads\/2025\/09\/19\/Adam_Fulton.jpg?width=300&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=61c7406b302098b83a57060f5a514d26&quot;,&quot;bylineLargeImageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/uploads\/2025\/09\/19\/Adam_Fulton.png?width=300&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=21f944ba78a04ad2bf58806508112a40&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;tracking\/commissioningdesk\/australia-foreign&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Tracking&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Australia Foreign&quot;}],&quot;isPaidContent&quot;:false,&quot;contributionsServiceUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/contributions.guardianapis.com&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;politics\/live\/2026\/jan\/29\/starmer-xi-jinping-meeting-uk-china-relationship-live&quot;,&quot;keywordIds&quot;:&quot;politics\/keir-starmer,world\/china,world\/xi-jinping,uk\/uk,world\/europe-news,world\/asia-pacific,politics\/politics&quot;,&quot;renderingTarget&quot;:&quot;Web&quot;}\"\/><\/div>\n<p>#StarmerXi #meeting #live #prime #minister #sophisticated #relationship #China #Keir #Starmer<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Key events Show key events onl&hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":16762,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16761"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=16761"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16761\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/16762"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=16761"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=16761"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=16761"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}