Italian PM Giorgia Meloni Aims to Reforge Sino-Italian Relations with New Action Plan

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has announced a three-year action plan to renew cooperation with China during her visit to Beijing. This plan, aimed at stimulating bilateral trade and cooperation, follows Italy’s withdrawal from China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Emphasizing strategic sectors, the initiative seeks to balance mutual trade interests.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced on Sunday a renewed commitment to fostering cooperation with China by signing a three-year action plan. This announcement came during her inaugural official visit to Beijing, where she met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang. The visit aims to revitalize trade relations following Italy's exit from the Belt and Road infrastructure initiative last year.

Meloni described the trip as a new chapter in bilateral cooperation and introduced the action plan, which includes sectors like electric mobility and renewables. Chinese Premier Li Qiang highlighted the mutual benefits in industries such as shipbuilding, aerospace, and artificial intelligence. Meloni’s visit also includes meetings with President Xi Jinping and China's top legislator, Zhao Leji.

At the Italy-China business forum, attended by key Italian companies, Meloni stressed the importance of balanced trade and raising overcapacity issues. Discussions focused on strategic industrial sectors and emphasized mutual economic interest. Despite withdrawing from the Belt and Road Initiative, Italy continues to seek robust economic ties with China, including attracting Chinese automakers and addressing unfair trade practices.