China and Britain agreed to deepen cooperation and pursue a long-term strategic partnership after talks between President Xi Jinping and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Beijing, signaling a thaw in bilateral relations.
Xi called for a “new chapter” in ties and urged closer dialogue between the two countries as major economies and permanent members of the UN Security Council.
BREAKING: British citizens will now be able to travel to China without needing to get a visa, the government has confirmed.
— Sky News (@SkyNews) January 29, 2026
The visa-free travel will be for trips of up to 30 days.
Politics latest 🔗 https://t.co/fhDaOUsDIr
📺 Sky 501 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/F5DQYChwTU
Starmer said relations were in a strong place and announced agreements including visa-free travel for British citizens to China for up to 30 days and a review of a potential bilateral services pact.
Starmer’s visit, the first by a British leader since 2018, comes as London seeks to stabilize ties with Beijing amid global economic uncertainty and strained relations with Washington under President Donald Trump.
Growth at home is directly linked to our engagement with the world’s biggest powers.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) January 29, 2026
Today I met with President Xi in Beijing. We affirmed our shared commitment to building a long-term and strategic partnership that will benefit both our countries, while maintaining frank and… pic.twitter.com/VBubyC1oZi
Xi warned against protectionism and unilateral actions, while emphasizing mutual trust and cooperation.
Starmer said the UK would engage China where possible while maintaining dialogue on areas of disagreement.
Also read:
TIPP Staff
TIPP Staff
TIPP Staff
