BRITAIN and China should expand their co-operation, Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed today, after meeting Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in Beijing.

He highlighted areas like education and healthcare as the two leaders reached agreements on visa-free travel to China and co-operation against illegal migration.

The Chinese president told Sir Keir: “Your visit this time has drawn a lot of attention. Sometimes good things take time.

“As long as it is the right thing that serves the fundamental interests of the country and the people, then as leaders we should not shy away from difficulties and we should press ahead.”

The president also quoted a Chinese proverb, “range far your eye over long distances” – and noted that Anglo-Chinese relations had undergone a lot of “twists and turns” in recent years, serving no-one’s interests.

The Tories’ lurched in office from proclaiming a “golden age” in relations under David Cameron to sabre rattling in the early 2020s.

Sir Keir said the meeting “affirmed our shared commitment to building a long-term and strategic partnership that will benefit both our countries, while maintaining frank and open dialogue on areas of disagreement,” the latter referring to alleged human rights issues the premier likely raised.

He said his focus had been on concrete economic benefits for Britain.

“We had a very good, productive session,” he said. “There are huge opportunities here in China as the second biggest economy in the world and that’s why we’ve got such a big business delegation.

“And we made some really good progress on tariffs for whisky, on visa-free travel to China and on information exchange and co-operation on irregular migration, focusing particularly on small boats and engine parts.”

The Chinese government also described the meeting as “successful,” laying the basis for “a long-term and consistent comprehensive strategic partnership” with a “new vision on bilateral ties.”

Those visiting China for less than 30 days will no longer need a visa under the agreement, Downing Street has announced.

The two leaders also talked football. Arsenal-supporting Sir Keir presented President Xi with the ball used in his team’s 3-2 home defeat by Manchester United last weekend.

Xi is reputed to support the latter. The Chinese president referenced both teams during their meeting, plus Manchester City and perhaps somewhat obscurely, Crystal Palace.