"China is a vital player on the global stage and it's vital to build a more sophisticated relationship where we identify opportunities to collaborate, but also allow a meaningful dialogue on areas where we disagree," Starmer said.

Starmer's visit to China is the first by a British prime minister since 2018 and follows a slew of Western leaders seeking a rapprochement with Beijing recently, pivoting from an increasingly unpredictable United States.

Xi also stressed the need for stronger ties with a "long-term view" in the context of what he called a "complex" international situation.

"China and the UK need to strengthen dialogue and cooperation, whether it is to maintain world peace and stability or promote the economies and livelihoods of both countries," Xi told Starmer.

Xi also noted they would need to overcome difficulties in order to move forward but that cooperation would unlock a "new chapter" in their relations.

"Good things often come with difficulties... Leaders will not shy away from difficulties and will forge ahead bravely," he said.

"Cooperation between our two countries will surely take the lead and open a new chapter in China-UK relations and cooperation."

On the most important day of his four-day visit to China, the first by a British prime minister in eight years, Starmer held talks with Xi at the Great Hall of the People before they lunched together. 

Starmer, whose centre-left Labour Party government has struggled to deliver the growth it promised, has made improving relations with the world's second largest economy a priority, despite lingering misgivings about espionage and human rights.

Starmer, who is in China until Saturday, also met the country's third highest-ranking official Zhao Leji in the morning and is expected to hold talks with Premier Li Qiang in the afternoon.

Zhao said relations were on "the correct track to improvement and development" while Starmer called the visit a chance to "find positive ways to work together".

Britain and China are set to sign a cooperation agreement targeting supply chains used by migrant smugglers, according to Downing Street.

The issue of irregular migrants is highly sensitive for Starmer, who has promised to crack down on people smugglers and stem a wave of arrivals that has fuelled rising support for the far right.

Starmer will also travel to economic powerhouse Shanghai on Friday before making a brief stop in Japan to meet Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

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