Xi Jinping tells Britain's new PM: China and Britain "both support multilateralism and open trade"

During a Tuesday phone call, Chinese President Xi Jinping told Britain’s new Prime Minister Andy Burnham that the two countries have more shared interests than disputes, characterising both as major economies that favor international coordination and open markets. The call, held at Burnham’s invitation, was their first known conversation since he took office, according to China’s foreign ministry. Xi proposed collaboration in technology, education, health care and finance. A Downing Street readout said Burnham stressed practical cooperation, while also raising domestic security, Russia’s war in Ukraine, Hong Kong, human rights and consular cases. The outreach follows warmer relations after former Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s January Beijing visit, when China agreed to extend visa-free travel for Britons and cut whisky tariffs. The thaw reflects both countries’ interest in diversifying trade relationships amid friction with Washington.