The leaders of Britain and China on Thursday called for a “comprehensive strategic partnership” aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries amid increasing global uncertainty.

Neither leader made a public reference to Donald Trump, though the U.S. president’s challenges to the post-Cold War global order appeared to factor into their discussions.

“I think that working together on issues like climate change, global stability during challenging times for the world is precisely what we should be doing as we build this relationship in the way that I’ve described,” Starmer said in his opening remarks to Xi.

The meeting took place at the Great Hall of the People in central Beijing as both nations seek to repair relations following several years of strain. Tensions have grown over allegations of Chinese espionage in Britain, China’s backing of Russia in the Ukraine war, and Beijing’s crackdown on freedoms in Hong Kong, the former British colony returned to China in 1997. Starmer is the first British prime minister to visit China in eight years.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said past setbacks in China-U.K. relations had not served the interests of either nation and called for closer cooperation amid global uncertainty. “China-U.K. relations experienced setbacks in previous years, which was not in the interests of either country,” Xi said, adding that “in the current complex and ever-changing international situation, China and the U.K. need to strengthen dialogue and cooperation to maintain world peace and stability.”

Read More: China reaffirms support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition

Xi appeared to acknowledge criticism faced by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer over engagement with China despite national security and human rights concerns, including Britain’s recent approval of plans for a large Chinese Embassy in London.

“Good things often come with difficulties,” Xi said.

Starmer, who took office in July 2024, said Britain would safeguard national security while maintaining dialogue and economic cooperation, telling Xi it had “been far too long” since a British prime minister visited China.

More than 50 senior business leaders joined Starmer on the trip as Britain seeks to expand trade and investment ties.