Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has committed to revitalizing relations with China during her first visit to Beijing since taking office. During the initial meeting of her five-day trip, she and Chinese Premier Li Qiang signed a three-year plan to enhance economic cooperation between their countries.
This visit follows Italy’s withdrawal from President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) last year, citing the scheme’s lack of benefits for Italy. Meloni characterized her visit as a step towards a “new phase” in bilateral cooperation. The two nations also agreed to collaborate on electric vehicles and renewable energy.
Premier Li highlighted the goal to increase “mutually beneficial cooperation” in areas such as shipbuilding, aerospace, new energy, and artificial intelligence, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises.
Italy was the only major Western country to join the BRI, a move that faced significant criticism from the US and other Western nations. Since taking office in 2022, Meloni has steered Italy towards a more pro-Western and pro-NATO foreign policy. She previously criticized the decision to join the BRI as “a serious mistake” and has since blocked a Chinese state-owned company from acquiring a controlling stake in the tire manufacturer Pirelli.
Additionally, Italy has backed the European Commission’s recent decision to impose tariffs of up to 37.6% on electric vehicles imported from China. Last year, the trade between Italy and China reached 66.8 billion euros (£56.3 billion), making China Italy’s largest non-EU trading partner after the US.
During her visit, Prime Minister Meloni emphasized the importance of diversifying Italy’s international partnerships while maintaining strong economic ties with China. She expressed confidence that the new agreements would pave the way for more balanced and beneficial interactions between the two countries.
The three-year plan aims to facilitate increased trade, investment, and technological exchanges. Specific areas of focus include fostering innovation in electric vehicle production and enhancing renewable energy projects. Both nations see potential in leveraging each other’s strengths to drive growth in these sectors.
Premier Li Qiang reiterated China’s commitment to strengthening ties with Italy, noting that the two countries share a long history of cultural and economic exchange. He expressed optimism that the new phase of cooperation would yield significant benefits for both sides, particularly in advanced manufacturing and green technologies.
The decision to block the Chinese takeover of Pirelli and support the European Commission’s tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles signals Italy’s strategic shift towards protecting its critical industries while still engaging with global markets. This approach underscores Meloni’s intent to safeguard national interests without completely isolating Italy from international economic opportunities.
Observers note that Italy’s recalibrated relationship with China reflects broader trends in Europe, where nations are increasingly cautious about Chinese investments in key sectors. By focusing on mutually advantageous projects and maintaining a balanced foreign policy, Italy aims to navigate the complexities of global economic relations.
As the visit progresses, further discussions and agreements are expected to solidify this renewed partnership. Both governments are committed to ensuring that their collaborative efforts translate into tangible economic growth and technological advancement, benefiting their respective economies and contributing to global stability.
Prime Minister Meloni’s trip to Beijing represents a significant step in redefining Italy-China relations, with the potential to set a precedent for other Western nations grappling with similar challenges in their dealings with China.
