Italy’s Meloni Pursues Stronger Economic Ties Amid EU-China Trade Tensions

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is in China to reset diplomatic relations and attract Chinese investment. This visit comes months after Italy left China's Belt and Road Initiative. The trip aims to bolster economic cooperation, despite ongoing EU-China tensions over electric vehicles and agriculture tariffs.

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is on an official visit to China this week, aiming to reset relations amid fears of a trade war with the European Union. Continued interest in attracting Chinese investment in sectors like auto manufacturing underscores the strategic nature of the trip.

On Sunday, Meloni met Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing, ahead of a forum with Italian and Chinese business leaders. The five-day visit follows Italy's decision to withdraw from China's Belt and Road Initiative, a significant move given its initial participation in 2019 that had geopolitical implications.

Despite its exit from the Belt and Road Initiative, Italy remains eager to foster economic ties. For instance, Stellantis, an automaker involving Italy's Fiat, formed a joint venture with Chinese electric car startup Leapmotor to sell EVs in Europe. This is particularly relevant as EU-China trade tensions over electric vehicles and European pork exports escalate, with both sides imposing tariffs or launching investigations.

(With inputs from agencies.)