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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Peter Walker Senior political correspondent

Keir Starmer defends UK engagement with China amid Prince Andrew revelations

Keir Starmer with Xi Jinping in front of UK and Chinese flags
Keir Starmer with Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in Rio last month – the first meeting between British and Chinese leaders in six years. Photograph: Stefan Rousseau/Reuters

Keir Starmer has defended his government’s greater openness towards Beijing following revelations about an alleged Chinese spy who forged a close relationship with Prince Andrew, saying it was “important to engage”.

Questioned for the first time about the case, amid calls from some MPs to change his approach on China, the prime minister refused to comment directly on Andrew or the royals, but said he was pleased with what he called progress on ties with Beijing.

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