BEIJING, Jan 29, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer told China's leader Xi Jinping it is "vital" to develop the relationship between their two countries, as the leaders met in Beijing on Thursday.

"China is a vital player on the global stage and it's vital to build a more sophisticated relationship where we identify opportunities to collaborate, but also allow a meaningful dialogue on areas where we disagree," Starmer said.