Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has embarked on a pivotal five-day visit to Beijing, marking her first trip to China since taking office in October 2022. The visit signals a significant shift in Italy’s foreign policy approach, as Meloni aims to “relaunch” relations with China and strengthen bilateral cooperation. This renewed engagement comes after Italy’s withdrawal from China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a major investment scheme launched by President Xi Jinping.
During her visit, Meloni met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and signed a three-year plan designed to enhance economic collaboration between the two nations. The agreement underscores Italy’s commitment to fostering closer ties with China, despite recent tensions and the previous administration’s controversial engagement with the BRI.
The BRI, a sprawling infrastructure and investment initiative, initially drew Italy’s interest with promises of significant economic benefits. However, the scheme faced criticism and scrutiny, particularly from the United States and other Western nations. Critics, including Meloni, argued that Italy did not receive the anticipated advantages from the BRI. As a result, Rome decided to withdraw from the initiative under Meloni’s leadership, which she previously labeled as “a serious mistake.”
The current visit represents a fresh chapter in Italy-China relations. Meloni’s administration is keen to move beyond past disagreements and capitalize on new opportunities for bilateral cooperation. The newly signed agreements focus on key areas such as electric vehicles and renewable energy, reflecting Italy’s strategic interests in sustainable technologies and green energy. These sectors align with broader global trends toward environmental sustainability and technological advancement.
Premier Li Qiang emphasized that the two nations aim to boost “mutually beneficial cooperation” in several critical industries, including shipbuilding, aerospace, new energy, and artificial intelligence. This emphasis on high-tech and future-oriented industries signifies a mutual recognition of the evolving global economic landscape and the need for innovation-driven growth.
The bilateral relationship between Italy and China has historically been complex. Italy, once the only major Western nation to join the BRI, faced considerable backlash from its allies. The United States and several European countries criticized Italy’s alignment with China, highlighting concerns over strategic autonomy and geopolitical influence.
In recent developments, Meloni’s government has taken a more cautious stance toward Chinese investments and influence. Notably, Italy blocked a Chinese state-owned company from acquiring a stake in the prominent Italian tire manufacturer Pirelli. Additionally, Italy has supported European Commission measures to impose tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, reflecting broader concerns over competitive fairness and market dynamics.
Despite these challenges, economic ties between Italy and China remain robust. Two-way trade reached €66.8 billion last year, making China Italy’s largest non-EU trading partner after the United States. The trade relationship underscores the economic significance of their partnership, even as political and strategic considerations continue to shape their interactions.
Meloni’s visit to Beijing and the signing of new agreements signal a strategic recalibration of Italy’s relationship with China. While the BRI withdrawal marked a period of strain, the current engagement aims to foster a more balanced and mutually beneficial partnership. As Italy navigates this new phase in its foreign policy, the focus on high-tech and green industries may well define the future trajectory of Italy-China relations, highlighting the evolving nature of global economic and geopolitical alliances.
