The Prime Minister discussed the ‘importance of pragmatic co-operation’ with the Chinese leader as they spoke on Tuesday morning, Downing Street said.
Andy Burnham vowed to engage “frankly and constructively” with China while raising security and human rights cases including the detention of pro-democracy campaigner Jimmy Lai in his first phone call with President Xi Jinping.
The Prime Minister discussed the “importance of pragmatic co-operation” with the Chinese leader as they spoke on Tuesday morning, Downing Street said.
Critics have pressured Labour to take a harder line on China including over issues such as the treatment of the Uighur population and the imprisonment of British citizen Mr Lai, which Mr Burnham is understood to have raised during the talks.
His language signals a continuity of the approach to Beijing taken by his predecessor Sir Keir Starmer, who promised to “co-operate where we can” with the world’s second-largest economy but “challenge where we must” on areas of disagreement.
In a readout of the talks, a No 10 spokesperson said the Prime Minister also expressed “sincere condolences” for lives lost in the recent flooding on the Nepal-China border and his appreciation for the rescue efforts and support for British nationals affected.
They added: “Both leaders affirmed their commitment to a long-term and consistent comprehensive strategic partnership between the UK and China.
“As permanent members of the (UN) security council and major economies, they discussed the importance of pragmatic co-operation in advancing UK and Chinese interests and addressing shared global challenges.
“They discussed the opportunities in the UK-China relationship including on economic growth and improving living standards for people in both their countries.
“The Prime Minister said that he would engage frankly and constructively on issues that matter for both countries, and raised domestic security, Russia’s war in Ukraine, Hong Kong, human rights and consular cases of particular importance.
“The leaders agreed to stay in touch, and that dialogue between their governments on a range of mutual priorities would continue.”
Meanwhile, Chinese foreign affairs ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said the two countries should “rise above disagreements” and “find common ground” following the call.
She said: “President Xi congratulated Mr Burnham on taking office as UK Prime Minister.
“He noted that China and the UK enjoy a comprehensive strategic partnership. Despite having different social systems and national conditions, China and the UK have more common interests than disagreements.
“The two sides should respect and trust each other, rise above disagreements, find common ground, and broaden the agenda of mutually beneficial co-operation.”
