We've received a read-out of President Xi Jinping's meeting with Sir Keir Starmer - issued by the Chinese government - and it makes for interesting reading. 

It begins by noting that the two leaders agreed that China and the UK should "develop a long-term, stable and comprehensive strategic partnership".

The read-out then turns to the international situation, which the president described as "complex and volatile".

He called for the two countries to strengthen dialogue and cooperation "to maintain world peace".

The read-out continues: "China is willing to work with the UK to uphold a broad historical perspective, transcend differences, respect each other, and transform the 'great potential' of China-UK cooperation into 'great achievements', opening a new chapter in China-UK relations and cooperation that benefits both peoples and the world."

UK-China trade will lead to 'win-win results'

It then turns to dismissing suggestions that China is a threat.

Xi Jinping told Starmer that "mutual trust" is the foundation of the two countries' relationship.

It adds: "China has always adhered to the path of peaceful development, has never initiated a war, and has never occupied an inch of another country's territory. 

"No matter how much China develops and grows stronger, it will not pose a threat to other countries. 

"China's cultural tradition values ​​harmony and pursues harmony without uniformity. 

"The essence of China-UK economic and trade cooperation is mutual benefit and win-win results."

The president called on the British PM to "provide a fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises."

No visa-free travel to China for Britons... yet

Xi Jinping also called for greater people-to-people exchanges and welcomed visits by MPs and other local groups "to enhance their comprehensive, objective and accurate understanding of China".

The read-out concludes the China delegation's side, by saying it would "actively consider implementing unilateral visa-free entry for the UK" - but it stopped short of saying this had been agreed.

By Helen-Ann Smith, Asia correspondent

Analysing how the Chinese respond to things like a prime ministerial visit is always a bit of a game of reading between the lines.

But I think there's a lot to suggest they are viewing Sir Keir Starmer's visit as consequential and as presenting a genuine moment of geopolitical opportunity.

The state media here has spoken a lot in the last few days about this being "a new chapter" in UK-China relations and an opportunity to "build mutual trust".

Indeed, China's is a culture where 'showing up' really matters and where being criticised from afar is genuinely offensive.

The lack of outreach of previous administrations was clearly noted, in his opening remarks Xi Jinping even made the unusual move of distinguishing between Britain’s political parties noting how:  "In the past Labour governments have made important contributions to the growth of China-UK relations."

While behind closed doors trade and investment will likely be top of the agenda, for the cameras it was subtle nods to the geopolitical picture that dominated.

Most notably perhaps, was a quote Xi recited from a Chinese proverb written by Chairman Mao: "Range far your eyes over long vistas."

The meaning is that it's best to stand back, take the long view and not get distracted by short term gains.

The inference is that relationship building with China is a more steady, reliable and long term choice than with the US; a message intentionally landed at exactly the time when President Donald Trump is destabilizing traditional transatlantic relationships.

The Chinese know the UK is hardly likely to start switching its allegiance, but it also knows the power of the optics, and it is leaning in.

The meeting between Sir Keir Starmer and Xi Jinping "carried a lot of weight, controversy and obvious consequence", our political editor Beth Rigby says.

But she adds that "both men met that moment".

The prime minister is yet to share his thoughts on how the discussion went, but in his opening remarks he called for a more "sophisticated" relationship with China and said it had been too long since a British prime minister visited the country.

He also referenced how events abroad affect the prices at home. 

Beth says: "The prime minister, thousands of miles away, still trying to make the point here in China about the cost of living, which will be his driving message through 2026."

The Chinese president also made some "fascinating remarks", Beth adds.

Xi Jinping referenced how the UK and China relationship has taken some "twists and turns" in recent years that did not serve either nation. 

This is a reference to the "golden era" under David Cameron, which saw the Chinese leader come to the UK for a state visit in 2015, and the more frosty relationship with later Conservative governments.

Xi Jinping also praised past Labour governments for their contributions to growing UK-China relations, Beth notes, while he said more dialogue between the two countries is "imperative".

Reflecting on the two men's comments overall, Beth says: "You couldn't really have had warmer words at the top of that meeting.

"But as we've been saying, there are challenges in this relationship too."

Beth points to issues around human rights and China's tacit support for Russia's war in Ukraine.

"It's not all plain sailing, but these are two countries that clearly want to do business together - and that is why Keir Starmer is here," Beth concludes.

Our Asia correspondent Helen-Ann Smith has visited Thames Town in Songjiang District, and asks whether it's a good metaphor for the UK and China's relationship.

Watch more below….

Political commentator Adam Boulton was a guest on the latest edition of The Wrap - and questioned the prime minister's visit to China.

You can watch what he had to say in the video below:

The bilateral meeting between Sir Keir Starmer and Xi Jinping has now ended, and later than expected.

It went on for around an hour and 20 minutes, twice more than thought.

The prime minister will next attend a cultural reception - that's set for around 5am.

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.