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China’s Xi Jinping, UK’s Keir Starmer agree to deepen economic ties
The UK and China agreed to enhance ties with visa-free travel, trade-in-services talks, and law enforcement cooperation amid efforts to improve relations after years of strain.
- On Jan 29, 2026, Prime Minister Keir Starmer met President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, calling for a `comprehensive strategic partnership` to deepen ties amid global uncertainty during Starmer's four-day visit.
- During a recent meeting, Keir Starmer sought to reset relations with China, which had deteriorated over concerns about spying, support for Russia, and the Hong Kong crackdown, to help Britain’s sluggish economy.
- A bilateral services agreement feasibility study was announced to help British firms, Beijing said it would `actively consider` visa-free entry for UK citizens for visits under 30 days, and U.K. law enforcement will cooperate with Chinese authorities to curb boat engines reaching criminal gangs.
- Starmer, joined by 54 representatives of British businesses and cultural institutions, said talks advanced on tariffs for whisky and migration cooperation, targeting concrete commercial gains.
- Ministers hope the package will help cut Channel crossings by targeting engine suppliers, with 933 crossings so far this year and 65,647 since Sir Keir took office, while the visa start date remains unconfirmed.
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Britain's Starmer reports 'good progress' after meeting China's Xi
Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that "really good progress" had been made on issues such as visa-free travel and tariffs during talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday.
·Prestonsburg, United States
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British Prime Minister Starmer spoke in favour of closer relations with the People's Republic during his visit to China.
·Germany
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Total News Sources118
Leaning Left22Leaning Right19Center32Last UpdatedBias Distribution44% Center
Bias Distribution
- 44% of the sources are Center
44% Center
L 30%
C 44%
R 26%
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