A well-known voice echoed through the aircraft’s speakers, surprising my tired mind as we traversed the Gobi desert.
The voice, claiming to be the Prime Minister, humorously announced, “Relax, enjoy the rest of the journey, I’ll take over the controls from here.”
Although Keir Starmer wasn’t actually piloting the plane, he faces a challenging task ahead as he embarks on a crucial journey to China. Amid a lively atmosphere, the PM engaged with a group of journalists squeezed near an emergency exit for the customary in-flight discussion.
Observing the scene, bewildered business and cultural leaders watched as we strained to catch his responses amidst the engine’s roar, with one senior journalist even squeezed near the plane’s lavatory entrance.
Mr. Starmer deflected most inquiries regarding the agenda for his upcoming meeting with Chinese premier Xi Jinping on Thursday. This visit marks the first by a British PM to China since Theresa May’s visit in 2018 and signifies a significant moment in the Government’s efforts to improve strained relations from previous Conservative administrations.
Having previously met President Xi during a summit in 2024 and visited China in his former legal capacity, Mr. Starmer now faces a delicate balancing act as Prime Minister during this visit.
His cautious remarks during the discussion reminded me of a similarly tense trip last year when we journeyed to Washington for a meeting with Donald Trump in the Oval Office. That visit was even more nerve-wracking as Mr. Starmer was still establishing his rapport with the US President, and concerns were evident among aides regarding potential outcomes.
Nevertheless, the current trip to China holds immense importance. Mr. Starmer aims to strengthen economic connections with the world’s second-largest economy, particularly amidst global trade uncertainties fueled by Donald Trump’s tariff threats.
Accompanied by a delegation of business leaders and cultural representatives advocating for Britain’s creative sectors, Mr. Starmer emphasized his commitment to addressing pertinent issues during the visit, despite the multitude of complex challenges.
Potential topics for discussion with President Xi include human rights violations, anti-democratic measures, national security concerns, and allegations of Chinese espionage. Additionally, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine remains a critical point of contention, as China’s ties with Russia have drawn scrutiny, including accusations of intelligence-sharing with Vladimir Putin’s regime.
Significantly, Mr. Starmer disclosed having conversed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier in the day, hinting at potentially significant developments during their meeting with far-reaching implications.
The outcome of these high-stakes interactions will undoubtedly be intriguing and could have substantial consequences on international relations.