Portrait of Keir Starmer
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Keir Starmer on China

Diplomatic pragmatist (moderate)

Sir Keir Starmer, as Prime Minister, has articulated a nuanced approach towards China, balancing the need for diplomatic engagement with domestic security considerations. His stated aim is to foster a relationship that is 'consistent, durable, respectful' with Beijing.

This intention was publicly demonstrated during his meeting with President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024. This high-level engagement suggests a pragmatic desire to maintain channels of communication on the global stage.

Conversely, Starmer’s government has been implicated in domestic security controversies involving alleged Chinese espionage, leading to accusations of leniency or outdated legal frameworks. These events underscore the tension between pursuing a stable international relationship and addressing security threats.

Actions Taken

  1. Diplomatic Meeting
    Met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit to state a desire for a 'consistent, durable, respectful' relationship with China.
  2. Legal Action
    The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), under the direction of Starmer's government, dropped charges against Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry in the 'China spy case' after the government reportedly failed to provide evidence that China was officially considered a national security threat at the time, as required under a 2025 legal precedent.

Key Quotes

I want to build a 'consistent, durable, respectful' relationship with China.

G20 Summit statement November 1, 2024 — Starmer's statement to President Xi Jinping following their meeting.

Related Positions

  • National Security The collapse of the 'China spy case' directly relates to Starmer's government's handling of national security intelligence and legal requirements concerning threats.
  • Foreign Trade Agreements The broader context of setting a 'respectful' relationship with a major economic power like China is relevant to trade policy.

Criticism

Kemi Badenoch

Accused Starmer's government of withholding key evidence in the collapsed 'China spy case' in an attempt to appease China.

Comparison

Comparison with Predecessor/Rivals

  • The government's handling of the 'China spy case' collapse led to accusations that it was seeking to appease China, contrasting with a perceived stronger security stance by some political rivals.
  • The government attributed the collapse of the espionage case to outdated laws and the previous administration's stance on China, implicitly suggesting a difference in approach or inherited legal issues.
Sources2

* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.