British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced reduced whiskey duty and visa-free travel for Britons in China after talks with President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
Beijing: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed “really good progress” after talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He cited progress on visa-free travel and lower tariffs for UK whiskey exports during his visit to Beijing.
Starmer told Xi that China is “an important player on the global stage.” He stressed the need to “build a more sophisticated relationship where we identify opportunities for cooperation”.
The Chinese leader also stressed strong ties with a “long-term perspective”. He described the international situation as “complex”.
Downing Street confirmed that the new whiskey tariff would be reduced from 10% to 5%. Beijing also agreed to visa-free travel for British passport holders on visits of less than 30 days.
The move brings Britain in line with around 50 other countries. It follows a similar agreement between China and Canada this month.
Starmer signed several cooperation agreements after meeting Premier Li Keqiang. These included targeting smugglers’ supply chains, British exports, health and the UK-China Trade Commission.
Li said that “the resumption of dialogue and exchanges in many areas… fully reflects that China and the UK are pursuing development and cooperation”. Starmer reiterated his commitment to “finding ways to work together”.
The issue of irregular migrants is highly sensitive for the Starmer government. He has promised to crack down on smugglers who refuel at Channel crossings.
Starmer told reporters he had a “respectful discussion” with Xi on the case of Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai. He said they also discussed the treatment of Uighurs in Xinjiang.
Beijing has been accused of detaining more than one million Uighurs and other Muslims since 2017. Relations are also strained due to alleged espionage, cyber attacks and China’s stance on Ukraine.
The visit is the first by a British Prime Minister since 2018. It follows a wave of Western leaders seeking rapprochement with Beijing amid tensions with the US.
Starmer is also accompanied by about 60 business leaders. British pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca has announced an investment of US$15 billion in China by 2030.
China remains Britain’s third largest trading partner. Starmer will travel to Shanghai on Friday before a brief stop in Japan.
