Sir Keir Starmer is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit to discuss areas of mutual cooperation while addressing disagreements. The Prime Minister emphasizes the importance of supporting Ukraine amid escalating conflicts and highlights the need for candid conversations with China. This meeting signifies the first direct engagement since 2018 amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Sir Keir Starmer is scheduled to engage in discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the G20 summit this week, as the government seeks to establish “stable and pragmatic engagement” with China. Prime Minister Starmer intends to highlight the importance of working together on shared objectives such as fostering international stability, addressing climate change, and promoting economic growth. However, Downing Street emphasized a need for candid discussions regarding existing disagreements, ensuring that all engagements align with the United Kingdom’s national interests. In remarks made before the summit in Rio de Janeiro, Sir Keir indicated that reinforcing support for Ukraine would be paramount on his agenda. This summit follows recent extensive missile and drone strikes by Russia within Ukraine, coinciding with the conflict’s nearing of its 1,000th day. Furthermore, the meeting takes place amid news reports declaring that the United States has permitted Ukraine to utilize long-range missiles against Russian targets—an action previously met with hesitation by Western allies. The Prime Minister is anticipated to urge fellow G20 nations to amplify their contributions to Ukraine, warning of the potential “unfathomable consequences” should Russia prevail. This forthcoming meeting represents the first in-person encounter between a UK Prime Minister and President Xi since 2018, having conducted a phone call in August after Labour’s recent electoral success. Historically, China’s military backing of Russia has drawn criticism from the UK and its Western counterparts. The Prime Minister articulated, “It is in the UK’s best interests to engage on the global stage—whether that’s building strong and fruitful partnerships with our closest allies or being frank with those whose values differ from our own. Close cooperation with the world’s leading economies is vital to secure investment into the UK and create the jobs needed to catalyse growth.” Foreign Secretary David Lammy had previously met with Chinese officials in Beijing last month, marking continued dialogue amidst a backdrop of heightened tensions regarding China’s policies towards the Uyghur population in Xinjiang and political dissenters in Hong Kong. Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak identified China as the primary state-based threat to the UK’s economic security while acknowledging the necessity of dialogue on climate and economic matters. The G20, which includes 19 major economies alongside the African Union and the European Union, convenes in Rio de Janeiro. The Prime Minister aims to not only strengthen economic partnerships but also focus on climate transition, clean energy usage, and the economic advancement of developing nations during the discussions at this multilateral forum.
The upcoming meeting between Sir Keir Starmer and President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit is significant as it marks a pivotal moment in the UK-China relationship. The summit comes in the wake of increasing tensions due to China’s support for Russia amid the war in Ukraine, alongside various human rights concerns. With a dual emphasis on constructive collaboration and candid discourse on disagreements, the meeting intends to advance strategic engagement that benefits both nations while addressing global challenges such as climate change and economic stability.
In conclusion, the meeting at the G20 summit highlights the UK’s approach to fostering a pragmatic relationship with China while addressing critical international issues. With an emphasis on mutual cooperation, particularly regarding Ukraine, climate change, and economic growth, these discussions underscore the delicate balance between collaboration and candid dialogue amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. The outcomes of this summit could shape the future trajectory of UK-China relations and the broader global landscape.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
