Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is playing his hand skilfully on
Italy's relations with China, Makronóm Intézet has pointed out in an analysis. After the dramatic withdrawal from the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) late last year, the Italian Prime Minister is now visiting Beijing to address any aftermath, enhance trade connections, and explore fresh opportunities.
In 2019, Italy distinguished itself as the sole G7 nation participating in China's flagship infrastructure investment initiative. However, by 2023, the contract had lapsed. Had Meloni not disclosed the withdrawal, the contract would have automatically renewed, triggering considerable outcry in Washington and Brussels — an outcome the Italian Prime Minister preferred to sidestep.
Simultaneously, Meloni was cognizant that such a decision would not go unnoticed by Beijing. Hence, she promptly communicated the withdrawal while consistently emphasizing the robust trade relations between the two nations, which she aims to further fortify in the future, as noted by Makronóm.
It appears that the anticipated future is now imminent, as the Italian PM prepares to embark on her visit to China. The analysis highlights that while the Asian nation imports €4.4 billion worth of goods from Italy (nearly a fifth of the total EU exports to Beijing), the reciprocal figure stands at €46.8 billion. Clearly, the stakes are substantial. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has recently alluded to the dawn of a new era in the relationship between the two nations, foreseeing a deeper bilateral partnership ahead.
Makronóm underscores that Meloni has presented an economic masterpiece. "By meeting expectations and orchestrating Italy's withdrawal from the Belt and Road Initiative, she concurrently bolsters trade relations with a nation that certain overly politicized leaders are eager to exclude from Europe. In fact, she seems unfazed by any potential backlash from Brussels. Moreover, the substantial size and popularity of her party in the upcoming European Parliament elections elevate Meloni to a position of significant influence — if not as a kingmaker, then certainly as an unavoidable force. Consequently, none among the Brussels bureaucrats dares to challenge her policies at present.
Following in Hungary's footsteps, Meloni and the Italian government adhere to the principle that economic strength lies in embracing, rather than isolating, the East. Thus, it comes as no surprise that the Italian Prime Minister is endeavoring to attract a Chinese electric car factory to the country.
"Italy, under Meloni's leadership, has adopted a strategy of moss diplomacy. She acknowledges concerns, resolves significant disputes with Brussels, and then proceeds to strike deals that, despite initial opposition, ultimately go unchallenged. It stands as a remarkable achievement in diplomacy, economic pragmatism, and deft maneuvering," concluded Makronóm.
