Sarkozy in China to renew ties

French President Nicolas Sarkozy arrived in China Wednesday for his second state visit, aimed at renewing relations between the countries which two years ago were strained over Tibet. He is accompanied by his wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, and top ministers. Part of the aim of the visit is to convince China to support UN sanctions against Iran over its nuclear programme. But the two countries must first heal a two-year-old rift over Tibet.

commerciaux lors de sa première visite d'état en Chine en novembre 2007. AFP

In March 2008, Sarkozy criticized Beijing’s crackdown on Tibet after protests turned violent. A month later, pro-Tibet demonstrators disrupted the Olympic flame as it was going through Paris on its way to Beijing. And at the end of 2008, Sarkozy met with the Dalai Lama, which further infuriated China.

During a visit to China in December, French Prime Minister Francois Fillon said any "misunderstandings" between the two countries were a thing of the past.

Sarkozy is to meet Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao in Beijing before heading to Shanghai for the start of the World Expo.

The two countries are expected to sign cooperation agreements on ecology, business and higher education.