Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has arrived in China for a three-day visit - the first by a British prime minister in eight years. Sir Keir is seeking to strengthen trading and cultural ties between the two nations after years of acrimony. However, he has faced criticism from opponents at home over the risk posed by China to the UK's national security and Xi Jinping's human rights record. The PM, who will meet President Xi on Thursday, said the trip will bring benefits to the UK and that it is important to maintain a 'strategic and consistent relationship' with the world’s second-largest economy. Upon arrival in Beijing, Sir Keir was greeted by Chinese government officials and presented with a bouquet of flowers. He addressed the 60 British business leaders accompanying him, stating that they were part of 'the change that we’re bringing about.' The visit has attracted fierce criticism from political opponents who are concerned about China's human rights record and its espionage activities in the UK. Leaders such as Conservative party leader Kemi Badenoch have voiced strong objections to the prime minister's decision to engage with a country accused of undermining UK interests.