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Media Coverage
The story is covered on the front pages of the right-leaning media.
Online it’s covered by all publications – regardless of political leanings.
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Prime Minister Keir Starmer is to meet with China’s President XI at this year’s G20 summit. Many newspapers – online and in print – highlight Starmer’s meeting marks the first time a British prime minister has met with a Chinese leader in more than half a decade.
Sir Keir Starmer said a strong UK-China relationship is “important for both of our countries” and the international community as he met Chinese President Xi Jinping on the fringes of the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro.
Other G20 summit stories lead the UK media today and will likely continue to do so as more from the week’s summit comes to light.
Basic facts
- G20 summit to be held in Brazil and begins on Monday
- PM Starmer has held talks with China’s XI
- Starmer is looking to build stronger ties with China
- Sir Keir also suggested a full UK-China meeting in London or Beijing as part of his desire for “consistent, durable, respectful” ties between the two countries.
- China is the second biggest economy in the world
The reaction
The right-leaning press is not impressed with Starmer’s meeting with Xi claiming he is choosing the British economy over human rights. One publication says Starmer is ‘kowtowing’ to Beijing whilst another reports the prime minister is seeking a ‘pragmatic’ approach to UK-China relations.
The left-leaning press keeps the news off their front pages but online the story finds space in prominent positions. Several news outlets highlight the prime minister has challenged Xi over the plight of Jimmy Lai and sanctions on UK MPs.
The front pages
What are users saying on Twitter/X?
Read the tweets!
#China and #Britain enjoy vast space for cooperation, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday.
— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) November 18, 2024
Xi made the remarks when meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders' Summit in Rio de Janeiro: Xinhua #G20Brazil pic.twitter.com/SUWRASgJOh
🚨 NEW: Keir Starmer shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping – the first UK PM to do so in more than half a decade
— Politics UK (@PolitlcsUK) November 18, 2024
📸 StefanRousseau pic.twitter.com/O4f9obev4M
"We can't ignore China."
— Sky News (@SkyNews) November 18, 2024
Shadow defence secretary @jcartlidgemp says it's important that Keir Starmer maintains a relationship with China, but implores the prime minister to be clear to Xi Jinping about the country's human rights abuses.
https://t.co/PAiZ4D1jU3
📺 Sky 501 pic.twitter.com/PisxVr6xzQ