Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Starmer urges China’s Xi for open dialogue and cooperation

Starmer's office said the two leaders had discussed areas of collaboration

Starmer urges China’s Xi for open dialogue and cooperation

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer told Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday (23) the two countries must be able to talk frankly about their disagreements and also pursue closer economic ties and work together on global issues.

Xi told Starmer during a phone call that he hoped Britain would "look at China objectively and rationally", the Chinese official news agency Xinhua said.


Starmer's office said the two leaders had discussed areas of collaboration including trade, the economy and education, and agreed that as permanent members of the UN Security Council they should work closely on global security and climate change.

"The prime minister added that he hoped the leaders would be able to have open, frank and honest discussions to address and understand areas of disagreement when necessary, such as Hong Kong, Russia's war in Ukraine and human rights," a statement issued by Starmer's office said.

Chinese state media said the call had been requested by Britain, and that Xi and Starmer had discussed stepping up cooperation in finance, the green economy and artificial intelligence. Xinhua said Xi had congratulated Starmer on his Labour party's election victory in July.

Starmer's government has said it plans an audit of Britain's relationship with China to understand and respond to the challenges and opportunities Beijing poses.

Ties between Britain and China have in recent years been strained over Hong Kong, British accusations of rights abuses, and concerns about Chinese firms' involvement in providing critical infrastructure.

In 2022, then-prime minister Rishi Sunak, a Tory, declared the end of a "golden era" of relations with China that one of his predecessors, David Cameron, had championed.

Xinhua quoted Xi as saying China was ready to engage "dialogue on an equal footing, on the basis of mutual respect... (to) enhance understanding and mutual trust."

China's embassy in London said Starmer told Xi there had been no change in Britain's policy towards Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own territory - a stance strongly objected to by the island's government.

"President Xi pointed out that China places high importance on the UK's desire for more engagement and dialogue, and will maintain exchanges with the UK at all levels," the embassy said.

Like most Western countries, Britain does not recognise Taiwan as a state but it does operate an office in Taipei which promotes trade and educational ties and assists travellers.

(Reuters)

More For You

Arabella Stanton, Dominic McLaughlin and Alastair Stout

The new Harry Potter series stars Arabella Stanton, Dominic McLaughlin and Alastair Stout

‘Harry Potter’ filming in London sparks anger as locals claim no consent for Privet Drive remake

Highlights:

  • A London street has been turned into Privet Drive for the new Harry Potter series
  • Locals in Upminster say they were not told filming was for the HBO remake
  • Some residents fear being “bombarded with wizards” while others are thrilled
  • Cast includes Arabella Stanton, Dominic McLaughlin and Alastair Stout

A quiet street in east London has been transformed into Privet Drive for the new Harry Potter series, but locals are unhappy they were not properly informed about the filming. Springfield Gardens in Upminster, chosen to double as the boy wizard’s childhood home, has left neighbours divided, with some welcoming the attention while others worry they will be “bombarded with wizards.” The HBO production, part of a major reboot, has already brought cameras, drones and fans to the area.

Arabella Stanton, Dominic McLaughlin and Alastair Stout The new Harry Potter series stars Arabella Stanton, Dominic McLaughlin and Alastair Stout Instagram/harrypotterhbonotofficial

Keep ReadingShow less
Priyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt and Katrina Kaif

Farhan Akhtar confirms Jee Le Zaraa is not shelved but cast uncertain

Instagram/priyankachopra

Farhan Akhtar says ‘Jee Le Zaraa’ will happen but drops bombshell that Alia Bhatt, Priyanka Chopra and Katrina Kaif may exit

Highlights:

  • Farhan Akhtar says Jee Le Zaraa has been delayed but not shelved
  • Significant work including music and location scouting already completed
  • Director cannot confirm if Alia Bhatt, Priyanka Chopra and Katrina Kaif remain attached
  • Project first announced in 2021 as a female-led road trip film

Filmmaker-actor Farhan Akhtar has clarified that his highly anticipated film Jee Le Zaraa has not been shelved. Speaking about the much-discussed project, Akhtar said the film is simply “on the back burner” due to scheduling conflicts. The clarification comes after years of speculation that the all-female road trip film, originally announced with Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif and Alia Bhatt, might have been abandoned.

Priyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt and Katrina Kaif Farhan Akhtar confirms Jee Le Zaraa is not shelved but cast uncertain Instagram/priyankachopra

Keep ReadingShow less
modi putin

Before their formal meeting, Putin offered Modi a ride in his Aurus limousine.

X/@narendramodi

Six key takeaways from the SCO summit

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi met Russian president Vladimir Putin and Chinese president Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China.

Modi pressed for ending the Ukraine conflict at the earliest, reaffirmed India’s long-standing ties with Russia, and discussed trade and border issues with Xi.

Keep ReadingShow less
Afghanistan earthquake

Afghan volunteers and Taliban security personnel carry an earthquake victim evacuated by a military helicopter from the Nurgal district of Kunar province onn September 1, 2025.

Getty Images

Afghanistan earthquake kills more than 800, thousands injured

A MAJOR rescue operation was underway in Afghanistan on Monday after a powerful earthquake and several aftershocks destroyed homes in a remote mountainous region, killing more than 800 people, according to Taliban authorities.

The quake struck just before midnight and was felt as far as Kabul and in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ganpati festival

The Ganpati festival celebrates Ganesha as the god of new beginnings, and the god of wisdom and intelligence. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Hindu community centre in London damaged in fire after Ganapati Visarjan event

A HINDU community centre in east London caught fire on Saturday evening, causing major damage to the building. The London Fire Brigade brought the fire under control and confirmed that no injuries were reported.

The incident took place at the Shree Sorathia Prajapati Community Centre on Cleveland Road in Ilford, which had been decorated for a Ganapati Visarjan event attended by members of the Hindu community.

Keep ReadingShow less