Italian PM Giorgia Meloni Visits China to Rebalance Trade Ties

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited China to strengthen cooperation and even out trade ties. During her visit, she emphasized the rebalance of investments between the two countries. Italy, having exited the Belt and Road initiative last year, aims to enhance trade relations with China and possibly influence the EU's stance on tariffs for Chinese electric vehicles.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni traveled to China to bolster economic cooperation and realign trade relations, she informed reporters on Tuesday. The visit signifies an effort to improve ties after Italy's exit from China's Belt and Road initiative.

Meloni, on her inaugural trip to China, stressed that the euro zone's third-largest economy is looking to remove barriers for Italian products to enter the Chinese market. She noted that Italian investments in China are currently triple those of Chinese investments in Italy.

Italy's strategic role could be crucial in the European Union's decision-making, particularly regarding potential tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. Despite leaving the Belt and Road scheme under U.S. pressure last year, Italy is keen on strengthening its trade relationship with China. Meloni emphasized the importance of balanced trade relations during her meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

(With inputs from agencies.)