Chinese in London for a buying spree

China's Commerce Minister Chen Deming is in London today as part of a European shopping spree, and to talk up trade between the region and his country.

Deals in Britain are expected include the purchase of Rolls-Royce jet engines and Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles. Chen has already visited Germany, Switzerland and Spain.

German officials signed trade agreements worth $10 billion (£7 billion). The Swiss chalked up more than $300 million in deals and Spain more than $320 million.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said earlier this month that purchasing missions would aid global trade, and warned that a retreat into protectionism would further undermine the global economy.

Chen, who is accompanied by a 200-strong delegation of Chinese businessmen and government officials, said in Madrid the mission was an important step to promote the development of Sino-Spanish trade and strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries.

The mission's buying focus is machinery, electronics and advanced equipment.