Is China an "essential partner" to tackle the greatest challenges of our time or the "key enabler" behind the largest armed conflict on European soil since 1945? At this stage, it just depends on who you ask.

China is looking to mend a strained trading relationship with the European Union, the last open major market for its products, to weather a trade war with the United States. But diplomats and analysts say breaking a prolonged stalemate won't be easy.