Nicholas Sarkozy's three-day state visit which begins today leads up to Friday's official opening ceremony of the Shanghai World Expo. That's where he's expected to inaugurate France's pavilion.

This will be President Sarkozy's fourth visit to China since he was elected into France's top political job in 2007. It will be his second full state visit.

Relations between France and China hit a low in 2008 when protesters disrupted the passage of the Beijing Olympic torch relay through Paris and when Sarcozy agreed to meet the Dalai Lama.

Members of the President's cabinet will also join him, signaling the intent to mend ties.

During past visits, Sarkozy signed deals for two nuclear reactors for a plant in China, as well as 160 orders for Airbus planes. But no major deals are expected this time.

Other than visiting the world expo, the President is expected to meet top Chinese leaders and seek support for UN sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program. Sarcozy will also promote his vision of how the global monetary system should be overhauled, so it can rely less on the US dollar.

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