The delegation of Chinese businessmen that arrived on Wednesday in Europe on a government-organised buying trip is part of a broad diplomatic charm offensive launched by Beijing in recent weeks to try to stave off protectionist pressures and smooth the way for Chinese investment.

Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, German economy minister, left, talks to Chen Deming, China’s trade minister

The four-day procurement drive in Europe follows a series of high-profile trips by senior leaders, including President Hu Jintao’s visit two weeks ago to Africa and the Middle East and that of Xi Jinping, vice-president, to Latin America, as well as Premier Wen Jiabao’s European tour late last month.