UK citizens to get visa-free travel to China after Xi-Starmer meeting
China has added UK to its visa-free waiver policy, putting Britain on the same footing as much of Europe.
People headed to China from the UK will be able to do so visa-free if the trip is fewer than 30 days long.
The announcement comes with Sir Keir Starmer on the first UK prime ministerial visit to China since Theresa May in 2018.
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He had earlier met with President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where the topic was discussed.
"As one of the world's economic powerhouses, businesses have been crying out for ways to grow their footprints in China," Sir Keir said.
"We'll make it easier for them to do so - including via relaxed visa rules for short-term travel - supporting them to expand abroad, all while boosting growth and jobs at home."
Currently, British citizens need a visa to enter the People's Republic of China.
In recent years, dozens of countries have been added to China's visa-free entry policy.
The list of almost 50 nations includes France, Germany, Italy, Spain, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Argentina, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Oman.
This policy allows people to stay in China for no more than 30 days without a visa for both business and tourism.
According to an announcement from the UK government, the two nations have also agreed to discuss a "feasibility study" into whether a bilateral services agreement can be reached.
The announcement on visas was welcomed by HSBC, KPMG and Standard Chartered.
Business Secretary Peter Kyle said: "There are huge growth opportunities for services, currently underweighted in our exports to China, from the legal and financial sectors to health and education.
"That's why we are excited to be joined on this visit by top UK enterprises, as well as fast emerging ones and leading figures from across our cultural and service sectors, to reinforce cooperation, showcase our strengths, and build new business opportunities for Britain."
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Following Mr Xi and Sir Keir's meeting, a readout was released from the Chinese side.
A translation read: "Both sides should strengthen people-to-people exchanges and further facilitate personnel exchanges.
"[Xi] welcomed visits to China by the British government, parliament, and various local groups to enhance their comprehensive, objective, and accurate understanding of China.
"China is willing to actively consider implementing unilateral visa-free entry for the UK."
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As well as the positives, Sir Keir confirmed he raised issues such as the detention of British citizen Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong and the treatment of Uyghurs with President Xi.
"Part of the rationale for engagement is to make sure that we can both seize the opportunities that are available, which is what we've done, but also have a mature discussion about issues that we disagree on," Sir Keir said.
