Relationship relaunch: Meloni opens a new chapter of co-operation between Italy and China

06, Aug - NEWS

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has announced a ‘three-year plan’ to restart bilateral co-operation with China, months after the relationship was marked by her country's withdrawal from the so-called ‘New Silk Road’. Meloni assured that her trip to China was ‘a demonstration of the desire to begin a new phase and resume bilateral cooperation in the year that marks the 20th anniversary of our comprehensive strategic partnership.’

Speaking at the beginning of a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, as reported in the Italian press, she said: ‘I am very happy to be here as part of this government's first official trip (to China), preceded by several high-level meetings.’ The Italian leader also announced the signing of a ‘three-year action plan to experiment with new forms of co-operation’ with China. After the meeting, the prime ministers opened a business forum with Italian companies such as Pirelli, Eni, Leonardo and Dolce & Gabbana, and Meloni will soon hold a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

‘Our country is ready to co-operate, but it is important that our partners demonstrate true co-operation by playing by the rules so that all companies can operate in international markets on a level playing field. If we want to have a free market, it must be fair,’ Meloni said at the aforementioned Italy-China Business Forum.

New agreements and restoration of dialogue

This first official trip by an Italian leader to China came just months after she excluded her country from the New Silk Road, Xi's flagship infrastructure and investment initiative through which Beijing seeks to consolidate its global influence. Italy was the only country in the G7, a club of the world's largest democracies, to join the initiative.

The official Global Times newspaper said Meloni's arrival in China would help ‘clear up misunderstandings’ about the initiative's withdrawal. Chinese scholars say it was the fault of ‘the US and other Western powers’ and not because of Italy's refusal to co-operate with China or the leader's ideology. Bilateral trade and industrial agreements are expected to be signed during the trip, which will include a stop in the eastern city of Shanghai. Italian sources said Meloni is keen to attract more Chinese investment - such as in the auto industry - to boost his country's economic growth.

Among the agreements signed, the Italian press highlights an industrial co-operation agreement that includes strategic sectors such as electric cars and renewable energy. The visit coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Global Strategic Partnership between the two countries and the 700th anniversary of the death of Marco Polo, the Venetian merchant who linked the Far East to Europe in the 13th century. The exhibition that Meloni will open at the World Art Museum in Beijing will be dedicated to this theme.