Foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun confirmed the trip on Monday, saying Wang would co-chair the China-UK Strategic Dialogue with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

The visit follows Lammy’s trip to Beijing in October, and a visit by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves to Beijing and Shanghai last month as Britain’s Labour government seeks to improve ties with China.

Starmer pledged during those talks to be “a predictable and pragmatic partner”. He said his approach would be rooted in Britain’s national interest but that he wanted to deepen the trade relationship between the two countries.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds also plans to travel to Beijing later this year to resume the UK-China Joint Economic and Trade Commission.