UK Prime Minister Starmer posted today: "Domestic development in the UK is closely related to our interactions with major global powers. Today, I met with the Chinese side in Beijing, and both sides jointly committed to building a long-term strategic partnership that benefits both countries, while maintaining candid and open dialogue on areas of disagreement; as prime minister, I will always act in the fundamental interests of the British people."
Commentary: This statement by Starmer reflects a pragmatic choice for the UK amid economic difficulties after Brexit, the rift within the US-EU alliance, and the accelerating formation of a multipolar world order. Its essence is a return to the sober realization that "diplomacy serves the people and interests transcend ideology." By linking domestic development with interactions with major powers, it sets the goal of a "long-term strategic partnership," acknowledging the inevitable reality of China's rise and the urgent need for Sino-British cooperation—Britain urgently needs China's vast market and industrial chain support to address high inflation and employment pressure, thus overcoming its international marginalization after Brexit.
Compared to Britain's short-sighted actions over the past eight years, which involved blindly following the US, hyping issues related to Hong Kong and Taiwan, and frequently denigrating China, Starmer's statement represents a correction of previous erroneous policies toward China. National core interests should be the fundamental orientation of diplomacy; however, it is also necessary to remain清醒 (clear-minded) and recognize that the value of this statement ultimately depends on the implementation of actions. Only if the UK genuinely upholds the One-China Principle, stops interfering in China's internal affairs, abandons double standards, and transforms the strategic partnership into specific measures such as trade cooperation and technological collaboration can it truly fulfill its commitment to "benefit both countries and serve the interests of the British people."
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1855645300192259/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author himself.