The toast of France, Chinese President Xi embarks on state visit with deal-making on tap
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Chinese President Xi Jinping was the toast of France during a state visit — days after China ended an anti-dumping, anti-subsidy investigation of French wine.
Deal-making was the main order of business during Xi's three-day visit. French officials said dozens of commercial accords in sectors like nuclear energy, aerospace and agribusiness were expected.
The French government wants to cut into France's 25.8 billion-euro ($35.6 billion) trade deficit with China, representing about 40 percent of France's total trade deficit. By lifting the wine probe last week, China erased one vestige of a bitter dispute with the EU initially centering on solar panels last year.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Xi heads to Paris on Wednesday from the southwestern city of Lyon, where he began his visit late Tuesday with a red-carpet reception.