Italy's Prime Minister is currently in China on an official visit aimed at strengthening relations between the two countries amidst concerns of a potential trade war with the European Union. The visit comes in the context of ongoing efforts to attract Chinese investment in various sectors, including auto manufacturing.
During her visit, the Prime Minister met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing and participated in a forum with Italian and Chinese business leaders. This visit follows Italy's decision to withdraw from China's Belt and Road Initiative earlier this year, a move that was seen as a significant shift in the country's foreign policy.
Italy's initial participation in the Belt and Road Initiative in 2019 was viewed as a strategic move by China to expand its influence in Western Europe. However, Italy's decision to exit the initiative was driven by a perceived lack of economic benefits and growing tensions with other Western European nations and the United States.
Despite this development, Italy remains interested in fostering a strong economic relationship with China. One notable example is the recent joint venture between Stellantis, a major automaker that includes Italy's Fiat, and Leapmotor, a Chinese electric car startup, to introduce electric vehicles in Europe.
The electric vehicle sector has become a focal point in China-EU trade relations, with the European Union imposing provisional tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles. Both sides are currently engaged in negotiations to address this issue before an upcoming deadline in November.
Furthermore, China has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into European pork exports shortly after the EU's announcement of tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. These developments underscore the complex dynamics at play in the economic relationship between China and the European Union.
Prime Minister Meloni's visit to China represents a continuation of diplomatic engagements between the two countries, with a focus on economic cooperation and trade relations. The discussions held during this visit are expected to contribute to shaping the future trajectory of China-Italy relations in the context of evolving global economic dynamics.
