Royal welcome for Xi Jinping in Belgium

  • 10 years ago
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STORY: Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Brussels on Sunday , as part of a trip aimed at softening European opposition to a free-trade deal with China.

As the first Chinese leader to visit the European Union's headquarters since Brussels established ties with Beijing four decades ago, Xi will also seek to send a message that China is a less confrontational partner, ready to resolve trade disputes.

Xi and Chinese First Lady Peng Liyuan were met by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium at the Belgian Royal Palace in Brussels.

A band played the Chinese national anthem.

Xi's top priority for the trip is pushing the European Union towards a multi-billion-dollar free-trade deal, a step that would dramatically deepen ties between two of the world's largest markets.