The prime minister of Belgium, Jean-Luc Dehaene, is starting a visit to China -- the fifth European leader to do so over the past two months.

During his week-long stay, Mr Dehaene is expected to meet President Jiang Zemin and the prime minister, Zhu Rongji, as well as sign a co-operation deal for a project in Xian as part of an anti-poverty programme.

Mr Dehaene's visit coincides with one by the President of the European Commission, Jaques Santer, who's been visiting areas damaged by the recent floods, after holding talks in Beijing.

Mr Santer yesterday Saturday toured the central city of Wuhan to inspect the rebuilding effort and discussed European investment projects in the region with the Hubei provincial governor.