British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Beijing to call for a “comprehensive strategic partnership” aimed at deepening ties amid global uncertainty.

Their 80-minute meeting focused on cooperation on issues like climate change and global stability, without directly mentioning U.S. President Donald Trump, though his challenge to the post-Cold War order loomed in the background.

The visit comes after years of strained relations over allegations of Chinese spying, Beijing’s support for Russia in Ukraine, and the crackdown on freedoms in Hong Kong.

Xi acknowledged past setbacks in China-U.K. relations and emphasized the need for stronger dialogue to maintain world peace, NPR has reported.

Chinese media reported Xi’s warning that major powers must follow international law to avoid global disorder.