Xi Jinping’s charm offensive helps bolster diplomatic, economic ties with Europe
More personal approach by Xi bolsters China's standing on continent, even as disagreements over human rights and trade policy persist
President Xi Jinping's European charm offensive has strengthened Beijing's economic and diplomatic clout with the EU, although trade disputes and human rights remain a potential source of tension going forward.
Easing up on the tough rhetoric and stressing co-operation, Xi's strategy marked a shift in how China engages its biggest trading partner, after the two sides seemed on the verge of a trade war over a multibillion-euro dispute over Chinese solar panel imports.
Xi instead focused most of his remarks on how the two sides could work together during his 10-day tour in the Netherlands, France, Germany and Belgium.
Watch: China's Xi visits Beijing's pandas on last leg of Europe tour
In Germany, Xi said China's market and German technology, when combined, could promote mutual social development. Xi said Sino-German co-operation would have positive momentum as long as they had a "full tank" and the right steering.