Beijing witnessed a unique intersection of sports and diplomacy when Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on January 29, 2025. During this significant visit, President Xi received a distinctive gift: the official football from a recent English Premier League match. This particular ball was used in the high-profile game where Manchester United triumphed over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on January 25.
The gesture carries particular symbolic weight, especially given the leaders’ reported football allegiances. Prime Minister Starmer, a known supporter of Arsenal, presented a gift tied to the defeat of his favored team by Manchester United, a club President Xi has openly expressed his admiration for as a “real Red Devils fan.” This diplomatic exchange, involving two of the Premier League’s most renowned clubs, aims to foster connection amidst what have historically been complex Sino-British relations. According to reports, the choice of gift underscores a strategic effort to find common ground, leveraging President Xi’s well-known passion for football—a tactic often referred to as “football diplomacy” used by various world leaders.
This visit marked the first time a British leader had traveled to China since 2018, signifying a pivotal moment for bilateral relations. During their discussions, both China and Britain committed to strengthening dialogue and cooperation. President Xi Jinping called for a new chapter in the friendship between the two nations, a sentiment echoed by Prime Minister Starmer, who affirmed the strength of their existing ties.
The diplomatic trip concluded with several significant agreements announced by Prime Minister Starmer. These included a commitment to grant British citizens visa-free entry to China for up to 30 days, as well as an agreement to explore the feasibility of a bilateral services agreement.
