During our flight over the Gobi desert, a recognizable voice came over the speaker, jolting me from my drowsiness. “This is the Prime Minister,” he announced humorously, suggesting he would take control of the plane for the remainder of the journey.
Although Keir Starmer was not actually piloting the aircraft, his upcoming crucial visit to China will require astuteness for a successful outcome. Amid a lively atmosphere, the PM engaged with journalists near the emergency exit for the customary in-flight discussion.
Observers, including business and cultural figures, watched with curiosity as we strained to catch his responses to our inquiries amidst the noisy engine, with one journalist even squeezed near the entrance to the plane lavatory.
Mr. Starmer deftly evaded most questions regarding his upcoming meeting with Chinese premier Xi Jinping on Thursday. This visit, the first by a British PM since 2018, signifies a significant moment in the UK government’s efforts to mend strained relations from past administrations.
Having previously met President Xi in 2024 and visited China during his legal career, Mr. Starmer faces a delicate balancing act as PM during this visit.
His cautious responses during the in-flight discussion brought to mind a similarly tense trip last year to meet Donald Trump in Washington. However, the current trip to China holds even greater importance as Mr. Starmer aims to enhance economic ties with the world’s second-largest economy amid global uncertainties caused by the US administration.
Accompanied by a delegation of business leaders and cultural representatives, Mr. Starmer emphasized that while promoting Britain’s creative sectors, he would address pertinent issues during his discussions with President Xi.
Among the potential topics are human rights violations, anti-democratic actions, national security concerns, and accusations of Chinese involvement in the Ukraine crisis. Notably, Mr. Starmer mentioned a prior conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, indicating the potential gravity of their meeting during his visit to China.
The outcome of these discussions could have significant implications and is eagerly anticipated by many.