Chinese President Hu Jintao arrives in London on Tuesday at the start of a visit to the UK, Germany and Spain, as part of an initiative by China to try to establish itself as a diplomatic as well as an economic player on the world stage.
Mr Hu has been a great traveller since he became president in 2003. He has been across Asia, South America and Africa, as well as several European countries. This trip confirms his intention of raising China’s profile.
British officials think he has firmly established his authority and works well with his Prime Minister, Wen Jiabao, who himself is visiting Europe in December.