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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has promised to “revitalize” Italy’s relationship with China during her official visit to the country following her decision to withdraw from Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative last year.
Meloni met with China’s Premier Li Qiang on Sunday at the beginning of a five-day visit aimed at starting a new phase of cooperation between the two countries after past turbulence.
During a business forum in Beijing, Meloni emphasized the need for a fair and mutually beneficial trade relationship, highlighting the existing trade imbalance with China and the importance of enhancing market access and intellectual property protection.
A three-year “action plan” to boost industrial cooperation and an agreement on food safety were signed between Meloni and Li. The Italian PM is scheduled to meet with President Xi Jinping during her visit.
While Li welcomed Meloni at the Great Hall of the People, he cautioned against protectionism and called for deeper dialogue and cooperation between the EU and China.
Meloni’s decision to pull Italy out of the BRI, a move criticized by the US and other western allies, was seen as an attempt to maintain mutually beneficial relations with China despite concerns about potential retaliation from Beijing.
Experts believe that China will seek to downplay Italy’s exit from the BRI and focus on stabilizing ties amid geopolitical uncertainties. Both countries are commemorating the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo’s death during the visit, which aims to strengthen bilateral trade relations.
Meloni’s visit to China signifies a strategic dialogue between the two countries despite past disagreements, with a focus on fostering a level playing field for international trade.
Concerns about trade imbalances, intellectual property protection, and fair trade practices remain central to discussions between Italy and China as they seek to strengthen economic ties in a mutually beneficial manner.
Written by Giuliana Ricozzi from Rome.