Beijing witnessed a pivotal diplomatic exchange on January 29 as Wang Yi, a key member of the Communist Party of China’s Central Committee Politburo and director of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission Office, held talks with Jonathan Powell, National Security Adviser to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Wang Yi highlighted the upcoming official visit by Prime Minister Starmer to China, marking the first such trip by a British leader in eight years. This development signals a potential thaw in Sino-British relations amid global tensions.
As permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and the UK bear significant responsibilities for world peace and development. In today’s complex and turbulent international landscape, both nations must uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, strengthen dialogue and cooperation, jointly tackle challenges, and safeguard the international order with the UN at its core.
Powell acknowledged China’s status as the world’s second-largest economy and a major global power. He noted that the lack of high-level exchanges between the two countries in recent years has not served the interests of their peoples.
The UK looks forward to leveraging Starmer’s visit to enhance dialogue and cooperation across all levels and sectors, fostering a more consistent and comprehensive strategic partnership. Powell expressed confidence that joint efforts will ensure the visit’s complete success.
The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern, including the Ukraine crisis, underscoring the breadth of their discussions.
This meeting comes at a critical juncture, as both nations seek to navigate economic uncertainties and geopolitical flashpoints. Analysts see it as a step toward rebuilding trust and expanding collaboration in trade, security, and multilateral forums.
With Starmer’s visit on the horizon, expectations are high for breakthroughs that could redefine UK-China ties in the post-Brexit era and amid shifting global alliances.