Starmer Raises Human Rights Concerns with Xi Jinping During Beijing Visit
Keir Starmer, the UK's Prime Minister, arrived in Beijing for a visit aimed at improving economic relations with China, while also vowing to address critical human rights issues with President Xi Jinping. This marks the first trip to China by a UK leader in eight years, according to The Guardian. Downing Street sources indicated that Starmer would raise areas of disagreement, including human rights abuses in China, during his discussions with Xi Jinping.
Starmer's visit comes amid growing international scrutiny of China's human rights record, particularly concerning the fate of Uyghurs and the imprisonment of Jimmy Lai. Starmer emphasized his commitment to raising "the issues that need to be raised" with the Chinese president.
The Prime Minister's visit also occurs amidst other international developments involving China. Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela's leader, is reportedly considering economic reforms modeled on China's post-Mao boom, potentially ushering in a new era of prosperity and growth for the country.
In other news, Azruddin Mohamed, a Guyanese businessman facing extradition to the US on charges of gold-smuggling and money-laundering, was elected as the country's opposition leader. This occurred just six months after Mohamed formed a political party that quickly became the second largest in Guyana, according to The Guardian.
Meanwhile, in South Korea, Kim Keon Hee, the wife of ousted president Yoon Suk Yeol, was sentenced to 20 months in prison for corruption. The Seoul court had previously approved a warrant for her arrest in August, citing the risk of evidence destruction. Her husband, Yoon Suk Yeol, awaits a verdict on a rebellion charge that could result in the death penalty or life imprisonment.
Furthermore, US intelligence agencies reportedly disagree with former President Donald Trump's opposition to the Chagos deal. According to The Guardian, Downing Street sources say the agreement is a done deal and will not be scuppered by the US president's U-turn. Starmer underlined that the US administration had supported the deal as it bolstered their defenses.
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