LONDON / ISTANBUL

In his first official conversation since taking office last month, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday, emphasizing the importance of "open, frank, and honest discussions" to address and understand areas of disagreement between the two nations.

The call covered a range of sensitive issues, including Hong Kong, Russia's war in Ukraine, and human rights, according to a statement from Downing Street.

Starmer highlighted the importance of these issues, reflecting the UK's concerns over China's actions in Hong Kong and its stance on global conflicts like the ongoing war in Ukraine.

He also underscored the need for a stable and consistent relationship between the UK and China, calling for continued dialogue between their foreign and domestic ministers.

Despite the thorny topics, the two leaders acknowledged the necessity of maintaining a cooperative relationship.

They discussed areas of potential collaboration, particularly in trade, the economy, and education, where both countries could benefit from stronger ties.

China welcomes UK's desire for dialogue

Commenting on the phone call, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying emphasized the need for both nations to view their relations from a long-term and strategic perspective.

She expressed China's readiness for "equal-footed and mutually respectful dialogue" to enhance mutual understanding and trust, in a statement on X.

Hua underlined expanded cooperation in financial services, green economy, and artificial intelligence.

She also noted China's recognition of the UK's desire for more engagement and dialogue, promising to maintain exchanges at all levels to promote steady progress in China-UK relations.