10:31 GMT
Chris Mason
Political editor, travelling with Keir Starmer
Image source, ReutersThe prime minister has told the UK-China Business Council his engagement with Beijing was a way of “seeing the whole elephant”.
He told a meeting of business delegates at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing: “President Xi tells the story of blind men being presented with an elephant.
“One touches the leg and thinks it’s a pillow, another feels the belly and thinks it’s a wall.
“And too often this reflects how China is seen. But I profoundly believe that with broader and deeper engagement, which we’ve been talking about all this week, is our way of seeing the whole elephant and therefore building a more sophisticated relationship fit for these times.”
He added: “I would like to echo a Chinese phrase, which I think captures the essence of what I’m talking about: pursue common goals whilst reserving differences.
“That’s what we are working together to achieve.”
Business Secretary Peter Kyle welcomed the signing of a series of agreements with China on greater co-operation, including on trade in services.
“This visit is a springboard. This is not the last moment, it is a springboard into a future with far more action to come,” he said.