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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Daniel Boffey Chief reporter

Chinese state media views Starmer’s visit as act of economic pragmatism

Keir Starmer with a large traditional Chinese palatial building behind
Starmer during a tour of the Forbidden City in Beijing. He told reporters he wanted a ‘more sophisticated’ relationship. Photograph: Carl Court/PA

Keir Starmer’s visit to Beijing has been cautiously welcomed by Chinese state media as an act of economic pragmatism by a beleaguered British prime minister.

The presence of 50 business and cultural leaders with Starmer, who is the first British prime minister to visit China in eight years, was taken as a sign that the UK was prioritising its ailing economy over political considerations.

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