Beijing/London

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday urged UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to work together in promoting and practicing genuine multilateralism, highlighting shared commitments to free trade and international cooperation.

The remarks came during Starmer’s meeting with Xi at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People. Starmer is the first British prime minister to visit China in eight years. Xi emphasized that international law is effective only when all nations comply, and major powers must lead by example to prevent the global order from sliding into a “law of the jungle,” according to the state-run Xinhua news agency. He also reassured that China’s growth does not pose a threat to other nations.

Downing Street said both leaders expressed commitment to building a long-term strategic partnership. They agreed to strengthen cooperation on shared interests while maintaining open dialogue on areas of disagreement. Starmer, accompanied by nearly 60 business and cultural representatives, said he hoped the visit would foster new partnerships and business opportunities in China.

The two sides are set to implement a joint UK-China law enforcement initiative to curb smuggling of Chinese-made small boat engines used in illegal crossings of the English Channel. The agreement will involve intelligence sharing and direct engagement with manufacturers to prevent exploitation by criminal networks. Starmer noted, “This deal will help cut off the supply at source, stopping dangerous crossings and restoring control to our borders.”

The leaders also discussed potential trade benefits, including lower tariffs on Scotch whisky and visa-free travel for British visitors. Both countries agreed to scale up removals of unauthorized migrants and intensify efforts against Chinese gangs involved in synthetic opioid production.

According to UK government data, over 60 per cent of engines used by smuggling gangs last year were Chinese-made, often enabling dangerous overcrowding in small vessels during Channel crossings. The new measures aim to halt such activities at the source, demonstrating a coordinated approach to organized transnational crime.