The Story Could China become the world's policeman?
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Jan 30, 2026 Cindy Yu, Times columnist on UK–China diplomacy, and Isabel Hilton, longtime China watcher and founder of China Dialogue Trust, discuss Keir Starmer’s Beijing visit. They explore diplomatic signalling, security concerns and espionage stories. They debate China’s global ambitions, whether it seeks to police the world, and how smaller powers should navigate trade, red lines and pragmatic engagement.
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Ceremonial Arrival And Private Meeting
- Keir Starmer arrived in Beijing, met a PLA honour guard and took a private dinner in the city.
- Cameras were not allowed in his meeting with Xi Jinping, leaving readouts sparse.
China Frames Visit As A Publicity Coup
- Xinhua made Starmer's visit front-page news as a publicity win for China.
- China frames renewed UK engagement as Britain shifting away from the US influence.
Football As A Diplomatic Gift
- Starmer gifted President Xi a football from a recent Man United v Arsenal match.
- The choice hinted at light-hearted diplomacy and symbolic gestures during the visit.