During a significant diplomatic engagement, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, emphasizing China's crucial role in fostering international peace and security. This meeting, part of Meloni's first official visit to China since taking office in 2022, aims to revive bilateral relations between Italy and China, focusing on mutual interests and cooperation in various sectors.
Meloni highlighted the increasing global insecurity, asserting that China is an essential partner in addressing these challenges. She stated, "There is growing insecurity at the international level, and I think that China is inevitably a very important interlocutor to deal with all these dynamics, starting from our respective points of view, in order to reason together on how to guarantee stability, peace, and free trade."
In her discussions, Meloni also met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, where they signed an action plan aimed at ensuring balanced and mutually beneficial trade relations. This agreement underscores the commitment of both nations to operate under fair competition and free trade principles. The Italian leader's visit comes after Italy's withdrawal from the New Silk Roads agreement, a move that raised eyebrows among allies due to concerns over transparency and influence.
As Meloni seeks to mend and enhance ties with China, her administration is focused on establishing a more stable direction for Italy-China relations, particularly in light of pressing global issues such as the war in Ukraine.
- Meloni's visit to China marks a pivotal moment for Italy, as it aims to rebuild its relationship with a key trading partner following a period of tension. The action plan signed with Premier Li Qiang reflects a strategic shift towards ensuring that both Italian and Chinese businesses can thrive in a fair competitive environment. The backdrop of this visit is significant; Meloni's administration has previously criticized the New Silk Roads initiative, viewing it as a potential means for China to extend its influence in Europe. However, the current diplomatic efforts indicate a willingness to engage with China constructively, focusing on shared interests and global stability.
