The leaders know if they are too divided, that might lead to a crisis. They want to be able to contain their divisions at a certain level where they are acceptable.

It's a side issue. The security of Chinese nationals has been an ongoing issue.

On all the major issues, the Europeans stand out because of their absence.

For China, Europe is above all a source of capital and technology.

This is evidence of China's increasing influence on the world stage.

The question is can this crisis also be an opportunity for bringing some Iraqi political leaders to their senses and encouraging cooperation. In a logical world that may be the case, but this is the Middle East.