Xi Jinping has praised Sir Keir Starmer for coming to China and said that it was “imperative” for world peace that there was more talking between the two countries.
The Chinese president also particularly singled out the Labour government for staging the first visit to China for eight years in a clear swipe at the Conservatives who have been critical of closer ties to Beijing.
Xi said the UK-China relationship in recent years had seen “twists and turns that did not serve the interests of our countries” as he met Starmer in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
In opening remarks at the beginning of Starmer’s landmark visit, Xi described the state of the world as “turbulent and fluid”.
Xi said more dialogue between the UK and China was “imperative”, whether it was “for the sake of world peace and stability or for our two countries’ economies and peoples”.
Mentioning the upcoming Chinese new year, he said Starmer’s visit – which has been attacked by Tory leader Kemi Badenoch – was “a sign of auspiciousness”.
He said: “In the past, Labour governments made important contributions to the growth of China-UK relations.”
Xi said the two men would “stand the test of history” if they could “rise above differences. He said: “Your visit this time has drawn a lot of attention. Sometimes good things take time.
Mr Xi admitted that ‘China-UK relations went through some twists and turns’
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“As long as it is the right thing that serves the fundamental interests of the country and the people, then as leaders we should not shy away from difficulties and we should press aheadon fortitude.”
The Chinese president quoted a Chinese proverb: “Range far your eye over long distances”.
He added: “As long as we take a broad perspective, rise above differences and respect each other, then we will prove ourselves able to stand the test of history.”
He said: “China-UK relations went through some twists and turns that did not serve the interests of our countries.”
The talks took place in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing
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Xi said: “China stands ready to develop with the UK a long-term and consistent strategic partnership. It will benefit our two peoples.”
Starmer told Xi he wanted a “more sophisticated” relationship with China as he met the president in Beijing.
Telling Xi it had been “too long” since a British prime minister visited the country, he said: “China is a vital player on the global stage and it is vital that we build a more sophisticated relationship.”
Stressing the economic benefits of an improved relationship with China, Starmer said: “It is with the British people in mind that I am here today.
Mr Xi went on to say that to say that it engaging with Beijing is ‘unavoidable’
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“I made the promise 18 months ago when we were elected into government that I would make Britain face outwards again.
“Because as we all know, events abroad affect everything that happens back in our home countries, to prices on the supermarket shelves to how secure we feel.”
The talks marked the start of a packed day for the Prime Minister, who is due to attend a cultural reception at the Forbidden City.
He will then take part in a welcome ceremony with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, before witnessing the signing of a series of agreements and ending the day with a formal dinner.