Xi Jinping has hailed "new vistas" in China's relationship with France on his first trip to Europe in five years - one that feels much like a charm offensive.
Mr Xi will be looking to avert the trade war that is looming with Brussels, driven by fears of cheap Chinese electric vehicles entering the European market.
The West also accuses China of helping Vladimir Putin wage war in Ukraine by supplying technology and equipment for the Russian military.
Both issues echo Washington’s words of warning to him in recent weeks, but it is not what Mr Xi wants his own people, or indeed those in France, to hear.
Instead, he is trying to win over the French and bolster China’s influence in Europe to counter any narrative coming from the United States.
He will also meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during his visit to France. She has embraced a policy of "de-risking" from China, which includes tougher talk and cutting Europe's dependence on Chinese imports and tech.
Later this week, he will make stops in Serbia and Hungary, allies of Moscow that have courted Chinese investment.
