China’s rise will not translate into danger for the rest of the world, President Xi Jinping told British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Beijing on Thursday, seeking to reassure London as the two leaders discussed China’s development path and future relations.
Xi stressed that China’s development path is rooted in peace and cooperation, arguing that the country’s rise should not be viewed with suspicion or fear. According to him, China has consistently pursued stability in its relations with the world and has no history of expansionism.
He noted that throughout its modern history, China has not started wars of aggression or seized foreign territory, presenting this record as evidence of its stated commitment to peaceful development. Xi added that China’s growth is aimed at improving the well-being of its people while contributing positively to global development, rather than challenging or undermining other countries.
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The meeting formed part of Starmer’s visit to China, as London and Beijing seek to manage ties amid broader global tensions and shifting geopolitical dynamics. Xi’s remarks appeared designed to reassure international partners, particularly Western nations, that China’s increasing economic and political influence does not equate to hostile intent.
By underlining non-aggression and respect for sovereignty, Xi framed China’s rise as fundamentally different from past great-power expansions, insisting that cooperation, not confrontation, remains central to Beijing’s worldview.