BEIJING: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will embark on a significant diplomatic visit to China starting Saturday, Beijing said on Thursday. The visit, scheduled for July 27 to 31, marks Meloni’s first official trip to China since assuming office in 2022.
The invitation for Meloni’s visit was extended by Premier Li Qiang. Meloni’s administration withdrew Italy from China’s expansive Belt and Road infrastructure initiative last year, a decision that set Italy apart as the only G7 nation to have initially signed up and subsequently withdrawn.
In the lead-up to her tenure as Prime Minister, Meloni openly criticized Italy’s involvement in the Belt and Road initiative, labeling it a “mistake” and citing concerns over transparency and the initiative’s strategic implications. The memorandum of understanding between Italy and China, which preceded the withdrawal, aimed broadly at cooperation in logistics, infrastructure, finance, and environmental sectors, but faced scrutiny over its lack of detailed provisions.
Since taking office, Meloni’s government has actively worked to repair and enhance relations with China. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani’s visit to Beijing last year was part of this effort, where he met with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.
China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that Meloni’s upcoming visit signifies a continuation of dialogue and efforts to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation between the two nations. The visit is expected to cover a range of topics from trade and economic ties to cultural exchanges and potential areas for future collaboration.
