BRUSSELS/BEIJING – The most senior official of the European Union (EU) on Sunday started his first official visit to China, on a mission to seek closer trade and political ties with Beijing needed for a stronger Europe.

“I come here as a friend of China with respect and trust, and a strong conviction in honest dialogue,” said Herman Van Rompuy, president of the European Council.

“I see China’s rapid economic development and rise on the global scene as a major window of opportunity for Europe and for elevating our strategic relations to a new level,” he said in an op-ed article targeting the Chinese media.

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