Today in Focus Starmer visits China: should he trust Xi Jinping? – The Latest
Jan 28, 2026
Pippa Crerar, The Guardian’s political editor reporting from Beijing, gives on-the-ground analysis of Keir Starmer’s landmark China visit. She discusses security precautions and spying worries. She outlines how Starmer will balance human rights, trade ambitions and US sensitivities. She explores what China hopes to gain and the role of personal diplomacy.
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Balancing Trade And Security
- Keir Starmer aims to rebuild UK–China ties while balancing economic opportunity and national security concerns.
- The trip is the first by a British prime minister in eight years and mixes diplomacy with caution.
Counter-Surveillance Practices On The Trip
- Pippa Crerar described practical counter-surveillance on the trip: burner devices and VPNs were used.
- She recounted rumours of cameras in hotel rooms and past spying attempts on UK institutions.
Human Rights Are On The Agenda
- Starmer plans to raise human rights, Hong Kong's Jimmy Lai, Uyghurs and Taiwan directly with Xi Jinping.
- He will also press China on UK security concerns like alleged spying and the embassy dispute.