BEIJING, Jan. 30 (CNA): British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday (Jan 29) that he wanted to build a "sophisticated relationship" with Beijing to bolster security and the economy, signalling a reset after years of strained ties.

On the key day of his four-day visit to China, the first by a British prime minister in eight years, Starmer spent around three hours with Xi during a formal summit and a lunch, during which the pair also chatted about football and Shakespeare.

The British leader, whose centre-left Labour government has struggled to deliver the economic growth it promised, has made improving relations with the world's second-largest economy a priority, despite misgivings about espionage and human rights.

"China is a vital player on the global stage, and it's vital that we build a more sophisticated relationship where we can identify opportunities to collaborate, but of course, also allow a meaningful dialogue on areas where we disagree," Starmer told Xi at the start of their meeting.

Xi said ties with Britain had gone through "twists and turns" that did not serve the interests of either country and that China was ready to develop a long-term partnership.

"We can deliver a result that can withstand the test of history," the Chinese leader told Starmer, flanked by his top ministers, at their summit at the Great Hall of the People.

Photo from Reuters