Sarkozy woos China during Hu's visit

President Nicolas Sarkozy will woo his visiting Chinese counterpart Thursday with military pomp and a glamorous dinner at the Elysee Palace with first lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy.

In return, France expects massive business contracts for French companies.

A three-day state visit by Hu Jintao starting Thursday marks a dramatic turnaround from the tense ties of two years ago when Sarkozy threatened to boycott the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics out of anger about China's treatment of Tibet.

The French president believes China's suppot will be essential as France prepares to take the leadership of the Group of 20 rich and developing nations starting later this month.