China has launched a charm offensive with the European Union since U.S. President Donald Trump took office in January, shifting its stance on trade negotiations and signaling closer cooperation on a range of other issues, European diplomats say.

European envoys in Brussels and Beijing sense a greater urgency from China to find allies willing to stand up for globalization amid fears that Trump could undermine it with his protectionist ¡°America First¡± policies.

¡°Trump is pushing China and Europe together,¡± said one Beijing-based diplomat, citing Chinese support for trade, combating climate change and the United Nations ¡ª all areas where the new U.S. president is seeking a change of tack.