Keir Starmer cosies as much as China’s Xi Jinping as pair share stunning bond

Prime Minister is wined and dined at lavish banquet on go to to Far East as he discovers an unlikely frequent curiosity

This was followed by a mango-shaped fruit dessert with vanilla ice cream. Guests were also treated to Chinese wine - a 2009 red Cabernet Sauvignon fr

Sir Keir Starmer is thought to like soccer, however so does Xi Jinping (Picture: Getty)

Sir Keir Starmer and Xi Jinping have bonded over their shared love of soccer. It’s understood that the Chinese language president not solely instructed the Prime Minister of his assist for Manchester United, but in addition that he’s eager on different groups.

In addition to the Crimson Devils, he admitted to Arsenal fan Sir Keir that he retains an eye fixed on Manchester Metropolis and FA Cup champions Crystal Palace. Earlier, the PM gave Mr Xi a soccer that was utilized in final weekend’s match between Manchester United and Arsenal.

Learn extra: Small boats ‘made in China’ storm sparked by Starmer tour

However Sir Keir confessed he wasn’t too comfortable on the end result because the Gunners misplaced 2-3, denting their hopes of successful the Premier League this season.

Their small speak wasn’t simply restricted to sport, with the Chinese language president expressing his love of Shakespeare.

Sir Keir was wined and dined by Mr Xi as he tucked right into a lavish banquet in Beijing.

This was adopted by a mango-shaped fruit dessert with vanilla ice cream.

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Visitors had been additionally handled to Chinese language wine – a 2009 crimson Cabernet Sauvignon from Hebei province and a white Chang You particular reserve Chardonnay 2016 – though Sir Keir sipped on water as he sat subsequent to Mr Xi.

The ornate Golden Room, contained in the Nice Corridor of the Folks, was adorned with large work of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, chandeliers and swans made out of flowers.