There may have been more to Premier Wen Jiabao's whirlwind tour of Europe - covering Germany, the European Union headquarters in Brussels, Italy, Britain and the Irish Republic - than the usual champagne affirmations of friendship and the signing of investment commitments.
Mr Wen's trip began one day after the EU increased its membership from 15 to 25 members, showcasing the importance of China for Europe. In Brussels, Mr Wen underscored with unquestionable clarity China's intention to deepen a new multi-dimensional Sino-European relationship. He described the partnership as both 'comprehensive' and 'strategic'.
Against the backdrop of an increasing North Atlantic divide, his words appeared both timely and refreshing for Europe. Former president Jiang Zemin had reserved the term 'strategic partnership' for the US, until Beijing was slapped in the face by the Bush administration, which labelled relations 'competitive' at best.
Europe responded to Mr Wen's initiative, acknowledging China's changing human rights position, and its own strategic considerations. Mr Wen also made progress towards the eventual lifting of a 14-year-old arms embargo. His repeated paradigm - the 'peaceful rise of China' based on economic 'mutual benefit', and being committed to never seeking 'hegemony' - represents for Europe a fresh and palatable approach to world concerns.
Ironically, during a joint press conference with Tony Blair at No10 Downing Street, the expected questions about human rights abuse were directed at the British prime minister, not Mr Wen, after photographic evidence surfaced concerning the torture of Iraqi prisoners by American forces.
For Europe, confronting ongoing American expansionism and the globalisation of values is proving difficult, given the traditional Atlantic alliance, and the costs associated with such a confrontation. On the other hand, moving closer to Russia is neither effective as a counterbalance nor comforting. So, does China offer something new?
