By Nyabuti Jael
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has embarked on her first official visit to Beijing, where she has committed to revitalizing Italy’s relationship with China. In a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Meloni kicked off her five-day diplomatic mission by signing a comprehensive three-year plan aimed at strengthening economic collaboration between the two nations marking a significant step towards a renewed partnership.
This visit comes after Italy’s withdrawal from President Xi Jinping’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) last year. At the time, the Italian government, under Meloni’s leadership, argued that the massive investment scheme had failed to deliver tangible benefits for Italy.
The decision to exit the BRI was met with both international criticism and praise, highlighting Italy’s complex position on the global stage. Meloni’s trip to Beijing is a clear indication of her desire to reset and enhance bilateral relations.
“This visit is a demonstration of the will to begin a new phase, to relaunch our bilateral cooperation,” Meloni stated.
Key agreements were signed during the visit, focusing on electric vehicles and renewable energy, signaling a forward-thinking approach to collaboration. Premier Li echoed this sentiment in a statement from his office, expressing enthusiasm for increased “mutually beneficial cooperation between small and medium-sized enterprises in the fields of shipbuilding, aerospace, new energy, and artificial intelligence.”
This strategic partnership aims to harness the strengths of both nations, driving innovation and economic growth in both countries.
Italy’s initial involvement in the BRI was a bold move, making it the only major Western nation to join the initiative. This decision, made by a previous administration, was criticized by the United States and other Western allies. Meloni, who has been critical of her predecessor’s policies, labeled the decision as “a serious mistake” and has since steered Italy towards a more pro-Western and pro-NATO stance.
Since her tenure began in 2022, Meloni has taken a firm stand on several key issues, including blocking a Chinese state-owned company’s bid to acquire Italian tire manufacturer Pirelli. Additionally, Italy has supported the European Commission’s decision to impose tariffs of up to 37.6% on electric vehicles imported from China, reflecting a commitment to protecting European industries.
Despite the political shifts, economic ties between Italy and China remain strong. Last year, bilateral trade between the two nations reached an impressive 66.8 billion euros (£56.3 billion), making China Italy’s largest non-EU trading partner, second only to the United States.
Prime Minister Meloni’s visit to China represents a delicate balancing act. While reaffirming Italy’s Western alliances, she is also seeking to forge a productive and mutually beneficial relationship with China.
As Italy and China embark on this renewed partnership, the world will be watching closely to see how these efforts will shape the future of international relations and economic development.