BEIJING -- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for an official visit to China through Saturday.

In August 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping had a phone call with Starmer at the latter's request, and in November that year, during his attendance at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Xi met with Starmer, leading China-Britain relations onto a track of improvement and development.

During Starmer's visit, the first by a British prime minister in eight years, President Xi will meet with him, Premier Li Qiang will hold talks with him, and China's top legislator Zhao Leji will also meet with him. The two sides are expected to have in-depth exchanges on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

In addition to Beijing, Starmer will visit Shanghai.

Since taking office, the British Labor Party government has clearly expressed its willingness to develop a consistent, enduring and strategic relationship with China and actively promote dialogue and cooperation between the two countries.

Starmer is leading a delegation comprising senior executives from over 50 major British firms and representatives of British institutions. They represent Britain's leading sectors including finance, medicine, manufacturing, culture and creativity.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Tuesday that China wishes to use this visit as an opportunity to enhance political mutual trust with Britain, deepen practical cooperation, jointly open a new chapter of healthy and stable development in bilateral relations, and work together for global peace, security and stability.