Three-country European trip an antidote to unilateralism

President Xi Jinping began a trip to Europe on Thursday, during which he is paying state visits to Italy, Monaco and France. The trip is expected to promote China's relations with the three countries to a new level and further consolidate reciprocal and strategic cooperation with the European Union.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Italy, and Xi's visit, the first by a Chinese head of state in 10 years, will give fresh impetus to the comprehensive strategic partnership.

Besides signing a number of documents and deals on diplomacy, economics and trade, the two countries are also expected to deepen practical cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and boost people-to-people and cultural exchanges.