Chinese President Xi Jinping said China will never pose a threat to other countries regardless of its development, during talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Beijing on Thursday. Xi emphasized that China remains committed to peaceful development and long-term stability. He said Beijing does not seek expansion or confrontation as it continues to grow economically and politically.
Xi said China has never initiated a war or occupied foreign territory, framing the country’s rise as fundamentally different from historical great powers. He added that China’s development benefits global stability rather than undermining it. The remarks appeared aimed at easing concerns among Western governments about China’s strategic intentions.
The meeting marked Starmer’s first visit to China since taking office, as London seeks to recalibrate its relationship with Beijing. UK-China ties have remained strained in recent years over trade practices, national security concerns, and human rights issues. Both sides have nevertheless signaled interest in maintaining dialogue and managing disagreements.
Xi said China hopes to strengthen communication with the United Kingdom based on mutual respect and non-interference. He called for pragmatic cooperation in areas such as trade, climate change, and global economic governance. Chinese officials have repeatedly stressed the importance of stable ties with major European economies.
Starmer’s visit comes amid broader diplomatic efforts by Beijing to improve relations with Western countries. China has recently increased high-level engagements with European leaders following years of geopolitical friction. Analysts say Beijing aims to project reassurance while countering narratives portraying China as a growing security threat.
