On all the major issues, the Europeans stand out because of their absence.

The leaders know if they are too divided, that might lead to a crisis. They want to be able to contain their divisions at a certain level where they are acceptable.

It's a side issue. The security of Chinese nationals has been an ongoing issue.

For China, Europe is above all a source of capital and technology.

This is evidence of China's increasing influence on the world stage.

How can you know what is missing if you’ve never met it? You must know of something’s existence before you can notice its absence.