Starmer Meets Xi at G20, Eyes EU Relations

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has become the first British leader in six years to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in Brazil, aiming to reset and improve UK-China relations despite past tensions over human rights and geopolitical issues. Starmer emphasized a respectful and pragmatic approach to enhance trade and economic growth, acknowledging China's significance as a major global economy and trading partner. The meeting marks an attempt to build on discussions of mutual interest such as climate change and international stability, although concerns about China's human rights record and its support for Russia remain. In parallel, Starmer has backed plans to pay countries like Vietnam and Kurdistan to prevent illegal migration to the UK, focusing on intelligence sharing and border security rather than direct funding. Additionally, Starmer faces domestic pressure to rebuild post-Brexit relationships with the EU, as suggested by the Bank of England's warning about Brexit's economic impact. However, his attempts to restore a security deal with the EU, particularly regarding migrant returns, have been met with skepticism from EU countries like Hungary.