Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has embarked on a five-day official visit to Beijing, her first since taking office nearly two years ago. Chinese state media confirmed her arrival on Saturday, highlighting the significance of this visit. During her stay, Meloni is scheduled to meet with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, with the primary focus on bolstering bilateral trade relations and finding a solution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
A statement from state broadcaster CGTN, posted on the Weibo social network, announced Meloni’s arrival in Beijing on July 27th. An Italian official, speaking anonymously to AFP, revealed that Meloni’s objective is to “relaunch bilateral relations in sectors of common interest.” Discussions will center on crucial international issues, particularly the war in Ukraine, according to the official.
Meloni’s visit comes on the heels of her administration’s decision to withdraw from China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) last year. Italy was the only G7 nation to have initially signed up for the BRI, a key element of Xi Jinping’s strategy to enhance China’s global influence. Prior to assuming office, Meloni had characterized Italy’s participation in the BRI as a “mistake.”
The non-binding memorandum of understanding between Italy and China outlined broad cooperation in areas such as logistics, infrastructure, finance, and environmental sectors. However, the lack of concrete details and transparency surrounding the agreement fueled concerns among Italy’s allies. Meloni’s visit presents an opportunity for both countries to re-evaluate their relationship and explore new avenues for collaboration.
