(ANSA) – RIO DE JANEIRO, NOV 18 – Chinese officials removed British journalists present at the bilateral meeting within the framework of the G20 between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chinese President Xi Jinping, in a room of the Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel of Leblon, in Rio de Janeiro. The meeting, the first in six years between the leadership of London and Beijing, got off to a good start, with the British Prime Minister underlining the importance of “a strong relationship between the United Kingdom and China for both our countries and for the international community “. But the situation changed radically when Starmer raised the issue of human rights, Taiwan, Chinese sanctions on British MPs and, above all, the case of Jimmy Lai, the pro-democracy British media mogul jailed since December 2020 in Hong Kong. As soon as the Labor Prime Minister said he was “concerned” by the information he had received about Lai’s “deteriorating health condition”, British journalists in the lounge of the Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel were removed by officials in Beijing. (HANDLE).
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#G20 #press #distanced #bilateral #Starmer
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Jane, in your opinion, how might the international community respond to any changes in the UK’s approach to human rights under Starmer? Do you foresee any collaborative efforts between nations on this issue?
Hello and welcome to our interview about the recent meeting between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro. Today, we have with us Mr. John Smith, a renowned International Relations expert, and Ms. Jane Doe, a China-based political analyst. Thank you both for joining us today.
John, we would like to start with you. As an expert in International Relations, how would you describe the current state of the UK-China relationship? Do you believe this meeting could mark a turning point in their bilateral ties?
John: Well, the relationship between the UK and China has been quite complex in recent years. There have been disagreements on various issues, such as human rights violations, cultural differences, and trade policies. However, they still maintain a strong economic relationship. The meeting between Starmer and Xi is certainly significant as it is the first in-person meeting between the two leaders in six years. It could potentially lead to a thaw in relations, especially if they manage to address some of their key differences amicably.
Jane, as a political analyst based in China, what are your thoughts on the removal of British journalists from the meeting room? Do you think it was a strategic move by Chinese officials or an overreaction?
Jane: I think it was more of an overreaction than a strategic move. The Chinese government has often been criticized for its strict control over the media and the news. However, this action could be seen as a sign of their insecurity about the international scrutiny on their policies, especially regarding human rights and press freedom. It also raises concerns about their willingness to engage in open and transparent dialogue with the UK.
Moving on to the topic of human rights, both leaders discussed the issue during their meeting. Keir Starmer raised concerns about the deteriorating health condition of Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy media mogul jailed in Hong Kong. What is your assessment of the UK’s stance on human rights in China, and do you think it will change under Starmer’s leadership?
John: The UK has been vocal about human rights violations in China and has often criticized Beijing’s actions. Starmer’s comments about Lai show that he is willing to
