You can watch the full opening remarks from the prime minister and Chinese president in the video below...

While Sir Keir Starmer and Xi Jinping continue their talks, we can bring you detail on one agreement to be signed by the prime minister later.

It covers joint UK-China law enforcement on tackling people smuggling, and is expected to include intelligence sharing on supply routes and direct engagement with Chinese manufacturers to discourage them from supplying the gangs.

It will also see the two nations agree to step up the removal of people with no right to be in the UK and crack down on Chinese gangs manufacturing synthetic opioids.

Ahead of the meetings today, Starmer said: "This deal will help us cut off the supply of boats at source – stopping crossings before lives are put at risk and restoring control to our borders.

"This is Britain back at the top table, delivering real results for the British people through our international relationships."

"Your visit this time has drawn a lot of attention," Xi Jinping tells Sir Keir Starmer at their meeting.

"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 fortitude."

After quoting a Chinese proverb - telling Starmer to "range far your eye over long distances" - Xi added: "As long as we take a broad perspective, rise above differences and respect each other, then we will prove ourselves able to stand the test of history."

He added that the prime minister's visit was a "sign of auspiciousness" given the incoming Chinese New Year next month.

Speaking at the meeting now, Xi Jinping tells Sir Keir Starmer that the relationship between the UK and China "went through some twists and turns that did not serve the interests of our countries".

'We're ready for long-term partnership'

The Chinese president then said that the state of the world is "turbulent and fluid," so more dialogue between the countries was "imperative", whether it was "for the sake of world peace and stability or for our two countries’ economies and peoples".

"In the past, Labour governments made important contributions to the growth of China-UK relations," Xi added.

"China stands ready to develop with the UK a long-term and consistent strategic partnership. It will benefit our two peoples."

More now from Sir Keir Starmer in Beijing, where he tells Xi Jinping it had been "too long" since a British prime minister visited the country. 

"China is a vital player on the global stage, and it is vital that we build a more sophisticated relationship," Starmer said.

He then said "it is with the British people in mind that I am here today", adding: "I made the promise 18 months ago when we were elected into government that I would make Britain face outwards again.

"Because as we all know, events abroad affect everything that happens back in our home countries, to prices on the supermarket shelves to how secure we feel."

Sir Keir Starmer is now meeting with Xi Jinping - the first meeting between a British prime minister and the Chinese president in China for eight years.

At the top of the meeting, Starmer tells Xi that he wants a "more sophisticated" relationship between the UK and China.

We'll bring you more as we get it.

You might forgive Sir Keir Starmer for feeling salty towards Manchester United fans after they beat his beloved Arsenal at the weekend.

But the PM - who was at the match at the Emirates Stadium - will gift China's Xi Jinping, a United fan, a ball from the game.

You can't beat that kind of diplomacy.

As Zhao Leji welcomed the prime minister, the chairman said it was "significant" to develop the UK-China relationship "well" given the "changing and turbulent international landscape".

He also praised Starmer's efforts on improving relations, saying the countries were now on "the correct track to improvement and development" and "positive progress has been made".

PM: Let's talk growth, security, and climate

Starmer added: "This is a historic visit, the first by a British prime minister in eight years.

"We have made this trip because I believe it is strongly in our common interest to find positive ways to work together, and that has been our long-standing position.

"I look forward to a very productive few days discussing issues of global stability and security, growth and shared challenges like climate change."

Starmer's first meeting of the day, with National People's Congress chairman, Zhao Leji, has begun.

It's being held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

With his visit to China underway in earnest, here's a brief run down of what the prime minister has set for the day: 

• Just after 2am in the UK, Starmer will meet with National People's Congress chairman, Zhao Leji;
• After that is the main event bilateral - a face-to-face with Xi Jinping around 3am;
• Over the next couple of hours, Starmer will then take part in a cultural reception at the Forbidden City;
• Then it's another meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at around 8.30am;
• Lastly, the prime minister is set for a signing ceremony at around 9.30am, followed by a business council with Li.