Hotspot for global security. The Indo-Pacific remains a critical hotspot for global security, according to Italy’s annual 2024 intelligence report.
- Geopolitical tensions among major world powers, particularly between China and the United States, are intensifying, with ripple effects across the region.
Taiwan under pressure. Beijing has perceived recent elections in Taiwan, in which the Democratic Progressive Party secured a third consecutive presidential term, as a direct challenge.
- This outcome adds to regional pressures, primarily as China employs “grey zone” tactics to shift the status quo in the Taiwan Strait without triggering full-scale conflict.
- Italian intelligence highlights Beijing’s diplomatic isolation efforts, economic restrictions, and deterrence measures, which are aimed at weakening pro-independence movements.
Strategic manoeuvres. Italian intelligence notes Beijing’s growing military and diplomatic presence in Southeast Asia.
- The Philippines, for example, has recently reinforced its alliance with the United States through a new mutual defence treaty after a period of closer ties with China.
- These developments underline the broader strategic contest in the region.
North Korea’s unsettling role. The report highlights North Korea’s escalation of its missile programme in 2024 and its deepening strategic pact with Russia, including a mutual defence clause.
- This growing alignment further complicates regional security and raises concerns for the United States and its allies.
China’s expanding global strategy. Beyond the Indo-Pacific, China is actively reshaping global governance and economic structures in a multipolar direction.
- Italian intelligence details China’s military diplomacy, including joint exercises with Russia and other regional partners, and its efforts to forge financial alternatives to Western systems—such as backing African-issued “panda bonds” and developing new payment systems.
- The “BRICS Bridge” initiative and increasing cooperation with Moscow signal a coordinated strategy to reduce dollar dependence in international transactions.
- Moreover, at the China-Africa Cooperation Forum, Beijing’s pledge of a $50 billion financial assistance package underscores its intent to expand its economic footprint across Africa.
Italy’s strategic perspective. Italy’s viewpoint, as detailed in the report, reflects concern over China’s growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
- As Beijing intensifies its diplomatic, economic, and military efforts, global powers are recalibrating their strategies in response, setting the stage for a prolonged period of geopolitical competition.
