From UPI: “On the face it, relations between the European Union and China could not be rosier as the leaders of the two powers prepare to meet in The Hague Wednesday. Since the EU enlarged to take in 10 central and East European countries in May, the bloc has become China’s largest trading partner, importing over $141 billion of goods. China has also become the second largest market for EU goods and services, with exports totaling $53 billion in 2003.
    
    Underlining the booming trade ties between the EU and the fast-growing Asian economy, German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder Monday signed $2.15 billion of contracts for Airbus airliners and high-speed trains within hours of touching down in Beijing. ”