LONDON (Reuters) -British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will visit China at the end of January, Sky News reported on Thursday, which would be the first visit to the country by a British leader in seven years.
Starmer’s Labour government has made improved relations with Beijing a key priority as it seeks foreign investment to make good on its election pledge to upgrade infrastructure and grow the economy.
But the relationship has been rocked as both countries have traded accusations of perceived spying.
Britain’s MI5 security service this week issued a new warning to lawmakers about attempts by Chinese agents to collect information and influence activity.
Former Prime Minister Theresa May was the last British leader to visit China in 2018.
But Britain’s relations with China under subsequent Conservative governments were soured by clashes over human rights, Hong Kong and allegations of Chinese espionage.
The prime minister’s office declined to comment on a possible Starmer visit.
(Reporting by Sam Tabahriti; Editing by Kate Holton)
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