UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Highlights “Seeing the Whole Elephant” in Beijing Meetings

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, on his visit to China, met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on the morning of January 29, 2026, before attending the China-UK Business Leaders’ Roundtable later that day.

During the business forum held at the Great Hall of the People, Starmer referenced a well-known Chinese parable that President Xi had shared with him earlier—the story of the blind men and the elephant. He recounted how one blind man touched the elephant’s leg and thought it was a pillar, while another felt its body and believed it was a wall. Starmer used the anecdote to illustrate how partial views can shape perceptions of China from the outside.

“These partial impressions often reflect how the world sees China,” he said. “But I believe that through broader and deeper engagement—as we have been discussing this week—we can gain a full understanding of China and build a more mature relationship suited to our times.”

Starmer described direct engagement with China as the way to “see the whole elephant.” He then quoted a Chinese proverb to summarise his approach: “Pursue common goals while preserving differences.” He added that this principle captures the essence of the partnership the two countries are seeking to develop.

Earlier in the day, Starmer held talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People. Following their meeting, the two leaders witnessed the signing of several cooperation agreements covering trade in services, media, education, and other fields.

Accompanying Starmer, UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Peter Kyle welcomed the new accords, particularly those strengthening service trade cooperation. “This visit is a springboard,” Kyle said. “It is not an end point, but a platform for even more cooperation in the future.”

The engagements form part of Starmer’s efforts to reset and deepen the UK-China relationship through pragmatic dialogue, economic ties, and managed differences.