Politician · country

Giorgia Meloni on China

Pragmatic Western Realignment (strong) Position evolved

TL;DR

Giorgia Meloni is realigning Italy's China policy to prioritize Western alliances and de-risking over the previous BRI engagement.

Key Points

She opted not to renew the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) memorandum of understanding in December 2023, signaling a policy shift.
During a July 2024 visit to Beijing, she agreed to a new, pragmatic three-year Action Plan for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Meloni has reinforced Italy's 'golden power' rules to scrutinize and potentially block Chinese acquisitions in strategic high-tech sectors.

Summary

Giorgia Meloni's position on China marks a decisive pivot from her predecessor's path, emphasizing transatlantic loyalty and European Union alignment. She confirmed that Italy would not renew the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in December 2023, a move she had previously called a "big mistake." This decision signaled a broader strategic caution against perceived Chinese influence and the limited economic benefits derived from the BRI, which saw imports surge while Italian exports saw only modest gains. Her government has focused on strengthening security mechanisms like the "golden power" rules to scrutinize foreign investment in strategic sectors like technology and infrastructure.

Despite the formal exit from the BRI, Meloni's approach is described as a "soft reset" rather than a complete rupture, aiming for a pragmatic recalibration. In July 2024, she made an official visit to Beijing, agreeing to a new, shorter three-year Action Plan for Strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, focusing on practical cooperation in trade, investment, and technology. While Meloni publicly affirms the one-China policy and seeks deepened bilateral economic ties, her administration balances this engagement with heightened vigilance regarding security risks and a commitment to de-risking, particularly in alignment with the United States and the EU's stance on systemic rivalry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Giorgia Meloni's main position on China?

Giorgia Meloni's main position is a pragmatic realignment away from the previous administration's enthusiasm for the BRI. She emphasizes close alignment with Western allies like the US and EU while maintaining a careful economic engagement with China, focusing on de-risking.

Did Giorgia Meloni change Italy's stance on the Belt and Road Initiative?

Yes, she changed Italy's stance by opting not to renew the BRI memorandum of understanding in December 2023. She had previously called Italy's entry into the BRI a 'big mistake' due to unmet expectations.

What did Giorgia Meloni do after leaving the BRI?

After leaving the BRI, Meloni reaffirmed the comprehensive strategic partnership with China by visiting Beijing in July 2024 and agreeing to a new three-year Action Plan. This plan focuses on practical cooperation while supporting the overall de-risking strategy.