Our countries must ‘rise above differences’, Chinese president says as he welcomes prime minister to Beijing

The PM is under pressure to raise several difficult subjects, including China’s espionage activity, when he meets with President Xi Jinping on Thursday

The high-stakes visit aims to balance diplomatic engagement with addressing critical domestic and international concerns

Starmer tells Xi Jinping during Beijing meeting that it has been ‘too long’ since a British PM has visited China. Follow the latest developments, live

At Beijing talks, British prime minister Keir Starmer tells Xi he wants a ‘more sophisticated’ relationship with China

Our countries must ‘rise above differences’, Chinese president says as he welcomes prime minister to Beijing

PM says trip to China has put relationship in stronger place, but possible return visit angers British critics

US president also criticised Canadian prime minister Mark Carney for seeking closer ties with Beijing