Meloni expected to work hard to rebuild China's trust: former Italian official

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will visit China from July 27 to 31, China's Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday. Michele Geraci, former undersecretary of state at the Italian Ministry of Economic Development, told the Global Times that the visit aims to repair and strengthen economic relations with China, and it seems to be a delicate balancing act, which is also a diplomatic dance to maintain a semblance of influence in Beijing while attempting to appease allies in Washington and Brussels.

Meloni now needs to put in more effort to regain China's trust, which means she must have a clearer and more stable attitude toward China-Italy economic and trade relations. For example, she cannot say she welcomes Chinese investment in Italy while simultaneously using the government's "golden power" to veto Chinese business activity in Italy, Geraci said.

This will be Meloni's first trip to China since taking office, aiming to improve trade, Reuters reported on Thursday, citing a person involved in the planning.

Italian tire maker Pirelli, energy group ENI, defense group Leonardo, wine producers and several Italian luxury fashion groups including Dolce & Gabbana are among the companies invited to an Italy-China Business Forum to be held in Beijing on Sunday and Monday during Meloni's visit, according to Reuters. 

Some observers believe that Meloni hopes the visit will ease the tensions with China that have persisted over the past year, open up markets for Italian businesses and attract Chinese investment. However, she must also ensure that Italy does not stray too far from the "de-risking" agenda being promoted by Brussels.

This visit will mark the first visit to China by a European leader since the re-election of President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen on July 18, 2024. Currently, relations between the EU and China have become tense due to issues such as the imposition of tariffs on electric vehicles.

The current state of Italy-China relations is complex - cordial on the surface but strained underneath. The main strengths lie in mutual economic interests, particularly in trade and investment, Geraci noted.

Italy's approach to China is heavily influenced by US-China relations. Caught between the economic attraction of China and the strategic demands of its Western allies, Italy must navigate a complex landscape, the former Italian official said. 

Within the EU, Italy likely sees itself as a mediator, advocating for a balanced approach that safeguards European interests while avoiding unnecessary escalation. This diplomatic tightrope walk underscores Italy's attempt to maintain its sovereignty and economic well-being amid intensifying global power struggles, Geraci said. 

"However, Meloni's recent actions suggest a need for better understanding of economic dynamics in this delicate geopolitical context," he noted.