Italians Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has described China as an “important conversational partner” in managing global tensions. This statement was made during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, which took place at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. Meloni emphasized the need to “revive” the connections with Beijing, which have been strained since Italy’s exit from China’s ambitious Belt and Road infrastructure project last year.

During the meeting, Meloni stated, “There is growing uncertainty at the international level, and I believe that China is inevitably a very important partner in addressing these dynamics.” She urged both countries to “think together about how to ensure stability and peace.”

This visit marks Meloni’s first trip to China since she took office nearly two years ago. Xi Jinping praised the “long-lasting, friendly” relations between Beijing and Rome, highlighting that both parties value tolerance, mutual trust, and respect.

In 2019, Italy became the only G7 member to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which focuses on building transportation and digital infrastructure connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe. Although Italy withdrew from this investment program last year under pressure from the United States, Rome has indicated that it still wishes to strengthen trade ties with China, which is the world’s second-largest economy.

Meloni expressed hope to establish as balanced trade relations as possible with China, while European trade policy has increasingly taken a protective stance. This shift is driven by concerns that China’s production-focused development model could lead to an influx of cheap goods in Europe, as Chinese companies look to boost exports amid weak domestic demand.

In July, the European Commission announced that it would impose preliminary tariffs of up to 37.6 percent on imported electric vehicles from China, exacerbating tensions with Beijing. Chinese officials have warned of a potential trade war if Brussels does not withdraw these tariffs. Beijing is also working to lobby EU member states to oppose the increased tariffs in a vote scheduled for October, although Italy, Spain, and France have indicated their support for the tariffs.

“Both parties face significant opportunities for mutual development,” Xi told Meloni at the start of their meeting. “If countries are connected, they will develop together. If they are closed, they will retreat.” He urged both nations to uphold the “spirit of the Silk Road” to create a new era of communication between the East and West.