BEIJING (AP) — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called Thursday for a deeper relationship with China during what he called “challenging times for the world.”The U.K. leader told China’s leader Xi Jinping that their countries need to work together on global stability, climate change and other issues. “I have long been clear that the U.K. and China need a long term, consistent and comprehensive strategic partnership,” he said. Starmer is the fourth leader of a U.S. ally to visit Beijing this month, following those of South Korea, Canada and Finland. Starmer, who became prime minister in July 2024, is trying to expand opportunities for British companies at a time when the economy at home is slow. The U.K. leader earlier met Zhao Leji, the chairman of China's legislature, the National People's Congress.