Despite the fashionable talk about BRICS and the G2 of Washington and Beijing, we really now live in a G3 world that combines US military power and consumption, Chinese capital and labour, and European rules and technology.

The USA and Europe have something in common: they need China's money. In the coming decade, the three economic centres of the world have to find better ways to interact on financial and economic matters.

Berlin and Beijing have a flourishing trade relationship, and Wen's visit to Germany today will strengthen political links. With ministers from the two governments about to stage a major meeting, China is a test case for Germany's changed role in Europe.

Last week's meeting between China's ambassador to Qatar and the head of Libya's opposition movement signalled a departure from Beijing's traditional insistence on not interfering in the internal affairs of other nations. China's growing interests around the world means that we can expect more of the same in the coming years.

EU-China relations are maturing, and this is allowing a more frank and pragmatic approach to negotiations. The red carpet treatment for Herman Van Rompuy when he visited Beijing recently is testimony to this.