Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's five-day visit to China marks a critical effort to reshape bilateral ties amid shifting global dynamics. With her focus on 'relaunching' collaboration, here's what's on the table:
🔑 Key Priorities: Beyond the Bamboo Ceiling
Experts highlight three main goals: boosting trade (Italy's luxury brands 👗💎 and agriculture exports are key), addressing geopolitical friction (like EU-China tech competition), and aligning climate goals 🌱. Michele Geraci, former Italian economic official, calls this a 'make-or-break moment' for Italy's strategic balancing act between East and West.
🌍 Navigating the Geopolitical Maze
Cui Hongjian of Beijing Foreign Studies University notes: 'Both nations want stable ties, but Italy must reconcile its EU commitments with China's Belt & Road ambitions.' Meanwhile, Francesco Sisci from Renmin University warns of 'pressure points' in tech and defense policies.
🇪🇺 The EU-China Litmus Test
Meloni’s visit could signal whether Europe can craft a unified China strategy. Will Italy champion closer EU-Asia economic integration, or prioritize transatlantic alliances? One thing's clear: the world is watching 👀.
