Beijing is not always the most welcoming place in winter.
Frigid air blows in from the north, blast-freezing the city's lakes and rivers, only the hardiest souls would dare to plunge into the icy water. Yet, over the past two months, leaders from around the world have accepted invitations to the Chinese capital. Notable visitors have included representatives from France, South Korea, Ireland, Canada, and Finland, with German Chancellor due next month. Among the western leaders making a beeline for Beijing is Sir Keir Starmer, marking the first British Prime Minister's visit to China in eight years.
Starmer is expected to receive a warm welcome, particularly following the UK's approval of a major Chinese embassy project in London, which was a condition for announcing his visit. With both sides ready to discuss various agreements, there is considerable optimism about revitalizing the UK-China trading relationship, which has been strained amid global tensions.
Analysts believe that a reasonable trading relationship between the two nations could be a significant achievement. However, key questions linger about how China interprets these visits, particularly in the broader context of a shifting geopolitical landscape and whether they can strengthen ties with the UK without undermining British-American relations.
Historically known for its charm offensive, China is keen to present itself as a stable partner in contrast to the US. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's recent visit has set a precedent, with his declaration of a 'new strategic partnership with China' signaling a changing sentiment among western leaders. The past decade has seen British-China relations cool significantly, often described as falling into an 'ice age' marked by political tensions and economic concerns.
As Starmer attempts to navigate these complexities, he has asserted that the UK will not choose sides between the US and China, a delicate dance that analysts say China is well aware of. With the potential for improved trading opportunities, the visit is viewed as 'a risk worth taking.' Yet, the ever-evolving nature of geopolitical relations means the path forward remains uncertain, intertwining the hopes for a thaw in UK-China relations with the broader global economy's challenges.
