Xi Jinping and UK Leader Discuss Bilateral Relations, Boosting Trade, Investment & Tech

Thairath•International•266d ago

Reader Briefing

China and the UK aim to reset and deepen ties, focusing on trade, investment, and technology, with significant agreements including visa waivers and reduced whisky tariffs.

•Chinese President Xi Jinping met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to enhance bilateral relations.
•Both leaders agreed to boost cooperation in trade, investment, and technology.
•Key outcomes include a 30-day visa-free policy for British citizens and a 50% reduction in UK whisky import tariffs.

Overview

•On Jan 29, 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
•UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated Britain desires a more complex and balanced relationship with China, emphasizing both cooperation and dialogue on disagreements.
•Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed China's readiness to develop a long-term partnership with Britain following recent fluctuations in relations.
•China agreed to grant British citizens visa-free entry for up to 30 days in order to foster closer ties.
•China will reduce import tariffs on whisky from the United Kingdom by half to promote trade.
•AstraZeneca announced plans to invest 15 billion USD (over 500 billion THB) in China to develop medicines and expand operations, resulting in economic growth.
•This meeting marked the first official visit by a UK leader to China in 8 years.
•Both sides aim to drive economic cooperation, investment, and technological advancement for mutual benefit.

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Key Quotes

Keir Starmer

"Britain seeks to build a more complex and balanced relationship with China."

อังกฤษต้องการสร้างความสัมพันธ์กับจีนในรูปแบบ “ซับซ้อนและสมดุลมากขึ้น”

Xi Jinping

"China is ready to develop long-term cooperation with Britain."

จีนพร้อมพัฒนาความร่วมมือระยะยาวกับอังกฤษ

Key Entities

Person

Xi Jinping(สี จิ้นผิง)ℹ️

President of China who met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Keir Starmer(เคียร์ สตาร์เมอร์)ℹ️

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom who met with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Place

Britain(อังกฤษ)ℹ️

United Kingdom, represented by Prime Minister Keir Starmer in discussions with China.

China(จีน)ℹ️

People's Republic of China, represented by President Xi Jinping in discussions with the United Kingdom.

Organization

AstraZeneca(แอสตราเซเนกา)ℹ️

Pharmaceutical company that announced plans to invest 15 billion USD in China.