Chinese President Xi Jinping called on China and Britain to jointly advocate and practice “true multilateralism,” underscoring the importance of upholding international law and free trade in a rapidly changing global landscape. The appeal came during a high level meeting with visiting British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Beijing.
Xi framed his comments within broader diplomatic goals shared by Beijing and London, saying that international law can only be effective when all nations respect it, and warning that failure to do so could push the world toward “the law of the jungle.” He positioned China and Britain both permanent members of the UN Security Council and major global economies as key supporters of multilateral cooperation.
The meeting marked the first visit by a British prime minister to China in eight years and reflected a mutual interest in resetting bilateral relations after recent geopolitical stress. Starmer and Xi pledged to explore a long term, stable comprehensive strategic partnership that can uphold multilateral norms and expand economic ties.
Beyond multilateralism, the leaders addressed a range of issues including global stability, climate change, and trade. Their discussions took place amid shifting international dynamics, with some Western nations recalibrating foreign policy approaches amid broader concerns about the future of the post Cold War global order.
Xi’s remarks align with China’s broader diplomatic messaging in recent months about the importance of true multilateralism a term Beijing uses to advocate a more inclusive, equitable global governance system that resists unilateralism and great power confrontation.
