China and the UK are attempting to reset their relationship — here’s how

After years of strained ties, China and the U.K. are looking to develop a long-term strategic partnership following a high-stakes meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Starmer is on a 4-day visit to China, the first trip by a British prime minister in eight years — signaling an attempt at resetting relations between the two countries after years of distrust and acrimony.

The U.K. has often accused China of conducting espionage in the country, and labeled it as a long-term strategic challenge. Financial Times reported on Tuesday that British officials were planning to tighten scrutiny of Chinese activity over concerns about national security risks.

Beijing’s crackdowns on democratic protests in Hong Kong, a former British colony, and imposition of a sweeping national security legislature in 2020 further strained bilateral ties, while U.K. businesses in China have flagged a challenging business climate in the country.

The British government in December moved to clamp down on two tech companies based in China allegedly for carrying out cyberattacks that it said had undermined U.K. security and prosperity.

Against that backdrop, Thursday’s developments signal a positive shift in relations.

The two countries said they will expand cooperation in key areas including education, healthcare, finance and artificial intelligence research, biological sciences and new energy development, according to a statement published by Chinese state media on Thursday.

Beijing will also consider opening visa-free entry for British nationals, the statement said, while urging London to create a fair and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese firms operating in the U.K.

Starmer told Xi at the start of the meeting that it was “vital that we build a more sophisticated relationship” allowing both sides to identify areas for further collaborations and dialogue, according to Reuters.

London will maintain high-level close communications with Beijing and deepen trade and investment partnerships, according to the Chinese readout.

Speaking to reporters following the summit with Xi, Starmer described the meeting as “positive” and one that delivered “productive outcome,” adding that the relationship was in a “good, strong place,” Reuters reported.