Keir Starmer Meets Xi Jinping at G20

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in Brazil, marking the first meeting between a British prime minister and Xi since 2018. Starmer aims to establish a 'serious and pragmatic relationship' with China, emphasizing its significance as a key trading partner and global economic power. However, this shift towards China is controversial among human rights advocates and some Conservative MPs, who urge Starmer to address issues such as the detention of Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai. Concurrently, Starmer is under pressure to strengthen the UK's post-Brexit relations with the EU, as warnings about economic stagnation grow, with calls for regulatory alignment to boost trade. Additionally, Starmer plans to align with Donald Trump over mutual concerns regarding China, particularly highlighting the AUKUS defense pact as a foundation for cooperation. This complex diplomatic landscape reflects the balancing act Starmer faces in revitalizing international relations while addressing domestic economic challenges.