Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni Visits China to Strengthen Economic Ties

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is visiting China this week. She aims to improve relations and attract Chinese investment in auto manufacturing and other sectors.

Meloni met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing on Sunday. They attended a forum with Italian and Chinese business leaders. This visit follows Italy's decision to leave China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) a few months ago. The BRI is a project by Chinese leader Xi Jinping to build global infrastructure and boost trade.

Italy joined the BRI in 2019, which was a big win for China. It gave China a foothold in Western Europe during a trade war with the U.S. However, Italy says it did not see the expected economic benefits. Membership in the BRI also caused tension with other Western European countries and the U.S.

Despite leaving the BRI, Italy wants to maintain strong economic ties with China. In May, Stellantis, which includes Italy's Fiat, announced a joint venture with Chinese electric car startup Leapmotor. They plan to sell electric vehicles (EVs) in Europe.

Electric vehicles are a hot topic in China-EU trade relations. In July, the EU imposed provisional tariffs of up to 37.6% on Chinese-made EVs. The two sides are in talks to resolve the issue by early November.

China responded by starting an anti-dumping investigation into European pork exports, days after the EU announced tariffs on Chinese EVs.

Meloni arrived in Beijing on Saturday. She had previously met Li in New Delhi last September during the G-20 summit.

This visit highlights Italy's efforts to balance its economic interests with China while addressing trade tensions with the EU.