Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s visit marks a pivotal moment in Italy-China relations, aiming to enhance trade, cultural collaboration, and address global issues. Key agreements and discussions with Chinese leaders focused on fostering sustainable development and international cooperation
The China milestone. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is currently in the midst of her four-day visit to China, which began yesterday and will conclude on July 31st.
- This trip is of substantial significance as it coincides with the twentieth anniversary of the Global Strategic Partnership between Italy and China and the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo’s death.
- This visit also marks the first visit by an Italian leader in five years. The aim is to strengthen strategic ties after Italy’s withdrawal from the Belt and Road Initiative.
On her first day of the visit… Meloni met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang. Their discussions focused on enhancing bilateral trade and reciprocal investments, promoting balanced and sustainable economic development, and strengthening scientific and cultural collaboration.
- Both leaders emphasised the importance of addressing global challenges such as artificial intelligence and climate change through common and shared solutions.
- A notable outcome of this meeting was adopting a 2024-2027 Action Plan to strengthen the Global Strategic Partnership and signing six agreements related to industrial collaboration, geographical indications protection, food safety, the environment, and education.
- The first day also saw the inauguration of the 7th edition of the Italy-China Business Forum, attended by over 100 Italian and Chinese companies and trade associations.
- This forum aims to boost economic ties and foster mutual investment opportunities, highlighting sectors such as luxury goods, machinery exports, food products, and the “Italian way of life.”
On her second day in China… Meloni held a pivotal meeting with President Xi Jinping.
- During this one-and-a-half-hour meeting, the two leaders discussed the broader geopolitical landscape and Italy’s role. They underscored the necessity of maintaining open and constructive dialogue, particularly in areas of strategic interest, and addressed the importance of transparency, security, and fairness in their bilateral relations.
- Xi and Meloni agreed on promoting stability and peace through international cooperation.
- As Meloni’s visit progresses, Italy’s approach to China will be shaped by its commitments to the EU and NATO. The outcomes of these meetings are expected to significantly influence Italy’s foreign policy and trade strategies, aligning them with broader European objectives while ensuring national interests are safeguarded.
Navigating China’s challenge. Alicja Bachulska, policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), commented on the significance of this trip for our sister website, Formiche.net.
- “The ‘Chinese challenge’ Europe faces is multifaceted and critical for the Union’s economic competitiveness and democratic stability,” Bachulska stated. She emphasised that European countries, including Italy, must navigate these complexities carefully to protect their interests.
- Democratic Party Member of Parliament Lia Quartapelle echoed this sentiment in another interview for Formiche.net, highlighting the strategic considerations Italy must consider.
- “For an exporting country like Italy, it is important to maintain good relations with everyone. China is no exception, but there is a question regarding strategic sectors. In these sectors, I believe we have learned, at our own expense, how necessary a stronger partnership with our traditional allies is,” explained Quartapelle.
