Starmer, Xi Seek Deeper UK-China Partnership as Trump Tariffs Disrupt Global Order (Photo: Number 10/Simon Dawson /Wikimedia Commons/CC-BY 4.0 )British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to pursue closer UK-China cooperation during an extended meeting in Beijing, as shifting U.S. trade and foreign policies under President Donald Trump push allies to reassess global partnerships. More than 50 U.K. business executives joined Starmer in Beijing, alongside leaders of major cultural institutions, as London seeks expanded market access and Chinese investment. Alongside strategic dialogue, Starmer and Xi signed a law-enforcement agreement aimed at curbing migrant smuggling across the English Channel. "This is Britain back at the top table, delivering real results for the British people through our international relationships." Before meeting Xi, Starmer was received by Zhao Leji, chairman of China's National People's Congress.