British media reported this afternoon: "After meeting with Chinese officials, UK Prime Minister Starmer visited the Forbidden City (the Palace Museum) on Thursday afternoon. He was interviewed about the results of this visit, saying that the two countries have made 'quite good progress' in several areas, including whisky tariffs and visa-free travel to China."
Comments: After the meeting, Starmer visited the Forbidden City and announced the progress of cooperation. On the surface, it seems like a routine part of the visit to China, but it actually contains three layers of logic: First, cultural interaction is a lubricant for political trust. The Forbidden City, as a symbol of Chinese civilization, is not just a sightseeing trip for Starmer. Rather, he is demonstrating his personal experience of China's profound and vast historical culture, sending out a signal of "rejecting prejudice and equal respect." Second, practical achievements are the ballast of stable relations. The two issues of whisky tariffs and visa exemptions precisely meet the export needs of British companies and the demand for personnel exchanges, representing tangible and visible benefits for the people. This allows Starmer to account to the domestic audience, and also makes the "long-term strategic partnership" between China and the UK transition from verbal consensus into actual gains. Third, the UK's posture reflects the multipolar world order. As a traditional staunch ally of the United States, the UK no longer insists on factional alignment, taking a pragmatic approach toward China. This further proves that in the current context of weak global economic recovery, whoever can seize the Chinese market and achieve win-win cooperation will be able to grasp the initiative for development.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1855647658043412/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.