Xi's Hungary trip sets stage for China to gain ground in Eastern Europe

HAMBURG, Germany -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday wrapped up his European tour in Hungary where both sides signed a raft of deals, following a similarly productive trip earlier to Serbia, highlighting the different approach he took in France.

Xi rewarded his closest European allies with promises of big infrastructure spending and cooperation agreements in his first trip to the continent in five years. But to France, the Chinese government only agreed to a stay on a cognac import tariff.