UK prime minister to start official China visit

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is heading to China on Wednesday, seeking a thaw in relations with Beijing at a time of strained ties with the US.

He is due to meet President Xi Jinping during the visit, the first by a UK leader since 2018.

He is expected to be accompanied by UK Business Secretary Peter Kyle and dozens of corporate chiefs as Britain seeks Chinese technology and investment, alongside greater access to the world's second largest economy.

China's foreign ministry said the country is ready to enhance mutual trust and deepen practical cooperation with the UK.