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China's Xi tells UK's Burnham they have more common interests than differences

The leaders agreed to expand cooperation in technology, education, healthcare and finance while raising security, human rights and consular issues, officials said.

  • On Tuesday, Sept 8, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham held his first phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, discussing the "importance of pragmatic co-operation" and economic growth.
  • Relations between the nations have warmed in recent months, supported by trade agreements and former leader Sir Keir Starmer's January Beijing trip, which included visa-free travel and reduced whisky tariffs.
  • Burnham raised security and human rights concerns during the call, vowing to engage "frankly and constructively" with Jinping including the detention of pro-democracy campaigner Jimmy Lai.
  • Xi urged Britain to "fully protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese investors," likely referencing the nationalisation of British Steel amid broader economic cooperation discussions.
  • Both leaders affirmed commitment to a long-term comprehensive strategic partnership, with Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stating the countries should "rise above disagreements" and "find common ground.
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British Prime Minister Andy Bernem and President Xi Jinping of the PRC held a telephone conversation to discuss the Ukrainian crisis and bilateral economic cooperation, reported to the office of the British Prime Minister. Heads of State raised issues of internal security and bilateral relations, referred to TASS. "The Prime Minister stated that he would engage in a frank and constructive manner on issues of importance to both countries and addr…

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China seeks points of contact with Britain - Xi discussed with Burnham “pragmatic cooperation” and the war in UkraineXi Jinping and Andy Burnham discussed pragmatic cooperation between China and Britain. Topics include Russia's war against Ukraine, human rights and trade.

·Kyiv, Ukraine
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Xinhua broke the news in Beijing, China on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
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