LBCI

Britain and China hail reset in ties as Starmer seeks 'sophisticated' relationship

World News

29-01-2026 | 09:35

Share

Share

Britain and China hail reset in ties as Starmer seeks 'sophisticated' relationship

Britain and China hailed a reset in relations on Thursday, after Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Xi Jinping pledged greater cooperation on trade, investment and technology to the mutual benefit of both countries.

With Western leaders reeling from the unpredictability of U.S. President Donald Trump, Starmer became just the latest to head to China where he called for a "more sophisticated relationship" with greater market access, lower tariffs and investment deals.

In the first visit by a British leader in eight years, Starmer agreed 30 days' visa-free access for Britons, discussed lower Chinese tariffs on whisky, and welcomed a $15 billion investment by the UK's AstraZeneca into China.

Starmer spent around three hours with Xi at a formal summit and a lunch, during which the pair discussed trade and security, the war in Ukraine, and soccer and Shakespeare.

Reuters

World News

Britain

UK

China

Ties

Keir Starmer

Relationship

Next

Trump says Fed should 'substantially lower' interest rates

Russia is ready to evacuate its staff from Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant if necessary: TASS

Previous

Recommended For You

US government pledges $150 million in aid for Venezuela earthquake

15:33

US government pledges $150 million in aid for Venezuela earthquake

Paris hospitals face 'saturation' in heatwave: Official

14:08

Paris hospitals face 'saturation' in heatwave: Official

Venezuela quakes death toll rises to 188: Top lawmaker

14:02

Venezuela quakes death toll rises to 188: Top lawmaker

Venezuelan leader travels to quake-hit coastal area

13:43

Venezuelan leader travels to quake-hit coastal area

Subscribe to our VOD

SUBSCRIBE

Our visitors readings

PM Salam holds preparatory meeting on southern recovery and return efforts

12:03

PM Salam holds preparatory meeting on southern recovery and return efforts

Rubio praises progress in Israel-Lebanon talks

08:03

Rubio praises progress in Israel-Lebanon talks

Israeli army: Majdal Zoun tunnel shows Hezbollah used civilian areas for military sites

2026-06-21

Israeli army: Majdal Zoun tunnel shows Hezbollah used civilian areas for military sites

French FM: Israel must stop hostilities in Lebanon

2026-06-19

French FM: Israel must stop hostilities in Lebanon

Videos

Israeli strikes renew on Choukine, Maifadoun, and Nabatieh al-Fawqa in southern Lebanon: Video

2026-06-20

Israeli strikes renew on Choukine, Maifadoun, and Nabatieh al-Fawqa in southern Lebanon: Video

Massive Israeli strikes hit South Lebanon under ceasefire conditions

2026-06-19

Massive Israeli strikes hit South Lebanon under ceasefire conditions

Trump criticizes Israel’s Lebanon campaign, says war has gone on ‘too long’ and floats Syria role in conflict

2026-06-16

Trump criticizes Israel’s Lebanon campaign, says war has gone on ‘too long’ and floats Syria role in conflict

Rene Mouawad Airport in Qlayaat opening ceremony held in presence of Lebanese officials—Video

2026-06-06

Rene Mouawad Airport in Qlayaat opening ceremony held in presence of Lebanese officials—Video

Israeli army releases footage of first tank crossing Litani River toward Beaufort Castle

2026-05-31

Israeli army releases footage of first tank crossing Litani River toward Beaufort Castle

Iran uses cluster bombs to target Israel: AiTelly explains what happens when a missile is intercepted—Video

2026-03-25

Iran uses cluster bombs to target Israel: AiTelly explains what happens when a missile is intercepted—Video

At least 19 killed after strike destroys three-story building in Sir el-Gharbiyeh: Video

2026-03-08

At least 19 killed after strike destroys three-story building in Sir el-Gharbiyeh: Video

Israeli airstrike targets Beirut’s southern suburbs: Video

2026-03-06

Israeli airstrike targets Beirut’s southern suburbs: Video

Intense consecutive airstrikes hit Beirut’s southern suburbs: Video

2026-03-05

Intense consecutive airstrikes hit Beirut’s southern suburbs: Video

Most read

24 hours

7 days

Month

Lebanon cancels official baccalaureate exams, adopts school grades

1

Lebanon cancels official baccalaureate exams, adopts school grades

Rubio praises progress in Israel-Lebanon talks

2

Rubio praises progress in Israel-Lebanon talks

Lebanese military source to LBCI: Negotiations should be judged by results, not photo opportunities

3

Lebanese military source to LBCI: Negotiations should be judged by results, not photo opportunities

Israel says will only withdraw troops from Lebanon after Hezbollah disarmed

4

Israel says will only withdraw troops from Lebanon after Hezbollah disarmed

Lebanese deputy PM dismisses prospect of Syrian involvement in Hezbollah file

5

Lebanese deputy PM dismisses prospect of Syrian involvement in Hezbollah file

Israel, Lebanon deny that Israel has withdrawn from part of southern Lebanon

6

Israel, Lebanon deny that Israel has withdrawn from part of southern Lebanon

Israel studies partial withdrawal plan from southern Lebanon while maintaining positions along Yellow Line

7

Israel studies partial withdrawal plan from southern Lebanon while maintaining positions along Yellow Line

US State Department to hold press conference after Lebanon–Israel talks; declaration of intent may be signed

8

US State Department to hold press conference after Lebanon–Israel talks; declaration of intent may be signed

Download now the LBCI mobile app

To see the latest news, the latest daily programs in Lebanon and the world

Google Play

App Store

Download now the LBCI mobile app

We use
cookies

We use cookies to make
your experience on this
website better.

Accept

Learn More