UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said that strengthening relations between the United Kingdom and China is 'absolutely essential'. He made the remarks on Thursday during a meeting in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Starmer emphasized that China is a major global power and that it is vital for the UK to build a mature and pragmatic relationship that allows for cooperation while maintaining meaningful dialogue on areas of disagreement.

According to analysts cited in the report, the meeting signals a renewed activation of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The discussion is seen as particularly significant for advancing cooperation in trade, climate change, and global security issues.

The meeting marks an important step in re-engaging bilateral dialogue between London and Beijing, with potential implications for future collaboration on key international challenges.