On November 22, 2025, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, marking one of the most important diplomatic engagements between the two countries since Italy’s withdrawal from China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
This meeting did more than reaffirm the relevance of the relationship, it clarified how both sides are reshaping their partnership in a global environment defined by economic uncertainty, political realignments, and competing strategic priorities.
Today, China and Italy are not breaking away from one another; instead, they are redesigning their cooperation around a more pragmatic, reciprocal, and balanced framework.
A Critical Diplomatic Moment After the BRI Withdrawal
Italy’s decision in late 2023 not to renew its participation in the BRI was one of the most geopolitically symbolic moves by a European state in recent years. Italy had been the only G7 country to join the initiative in 2019, a gesture that Beijing viewed as a diplomatic victory.
However, by 2024, the Italian government under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni determined that the benefits did not justify the political and economic costs.
Why Italy Stepped Away from the BRI
Several factors shaped Italy’s decision:
- Economic underperformance: Italian exports to China saw limited growth during the BRI period, while Chinese exports to Italy surged, widening the trade gap.
- Strategic alignment with the West: Italy reinforced its commitment to EU-US strategies focused on “de-risking” economic dependencies on China.
- Domestic political pressure: Critics argued that the BRI created disproportionate political expectations without delivering tangible economic outcomes.
Today, the trade imbalance tells the story clearly: Italy exports $21.8 billion to China, while importing $47.7 billion more than double the amount. The Meloni government seeks to narrow this gap by enhancing Italian competitiveness in the Chinese market.
The 2024–2027 Action Plan: A New Roadmap for Bilateral Cooperation
Following Italy's decision to exit the BRI, both governments moved swiftly to prevent a long-term rupture. In 2024, during Meloni’s visit to Beijing, the two sides agreed on a 2024–2027 Action Plan, now the primary framework guiding cooperation.
A More Pragmatic, Less Political Approach
Unlike the BRI, which carried strong geopolitical symbolism, the Action Plan focuses on:
- trade and investment
- scientific and technological cooperation
- education and cultural exchanges
- two-way market access
- balanced and sustainable growth
The plan is deliberately pragmatic. It reflects Italy’s aim for greater reciprocity, and China’s desire for a predictable, stable European partner amid broader geopolitical tensions.
Key Takeaways From the Li–Meloni Meeting at the 2025 G20 Summit
The Johannesburg meeting underscored a shared interest in stabilizing and modernizing the China-Italy relationship. Both leaders delivered messages that highlight how the partnership is evolving.
Premier Li Qiang’s Priorities
Li Qiang emphasized several themes critical to China’s global economic agenda:
Strengthening strategic alignment
China is committed to deepening the “comprehensive strategic partnership,” positioning Italy as an important European counterpart despite recent policy disagreements.
Supporting Italian companies in China
Li welcomed increased Italian participation in the Chinese market and pointed to platforms such as the China International Import Expo (CIIE) as mechanisms to grow bilateral commerce.
Ensuring fair treatment for Chinese investors
Li urged Italy to provide a fair, transparent, non-discriminatory, and predictable environment for Chinese companies, subtly alluding to Italy’s use of “Golden Power” rules to scrutinize foreign investments.
Securing supply chains
He emphasized that global supply chain stability is essential particularly for industries that rely on high-value components where China and Italy have complementary strengths.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s Position
Meloni’s remarks at the meeting reflect Italy’s recalibrated but still open stance toward China.
Constructive dialogue, not decoupling
Meloni stressed the need for consistent dialogue and areas of mutual interest, distancing Italy from the rhetoric of “decoupling.” Italy supports a Western de-risking approach but is not pursuing disengagement.
Level playing field
A major priority for Rome is ensuring that Italian firms especially in luxury goods, machinery, automotive components, and food products benefit from fair competitive conditions in China.
Balanced trade
Meloni reiterated the importance of correcting the trade imbalance and ensuring that Italian exports gain more traction in the Chinese market.
The Trade Imbalance Problem: Italy Wants Reciprocity
One of the underlying themes of the meeting is the structural trade imbalance between the two countries.
- Italy → China: $21.8 billion (2025)
- China → Italy: $47.7 billion
Italy’s concerns center on:
- Market access barriers
- Regulatory uncertainty for foreign firms operating in China
- Supply chain vulnerabilities exposed by the pandemic and geopolitical tensions
Italian manufacturers especially in high-quality machinery, pharmaceuticals, automotive technologies, fashion, and agri-food seek stronger entry channels into China’s massive consumer market.
Meanwhile, China sees Italy as a key partner for technology, design, luxury goods, and advanced industrial know-how.
Both sides have incentives to pursue a more balanced relationship.
Where the Relationship Is Heading: A Strategic Reset Rather Than a Break
The narrative that Italy’s departure from the BRI represents a breakdown in China-Italy relations is misguided. Instead, the two countries are entering a new phase, one shaped by realism, maturity, and mutual economic interest.
Less symbolism, more substance
The relationship is no longer defined by political agreements with high visibility but mixed outcomes. Instead, it is shaped by:
- commercial partnerships
- sector-specific cooperation
- joint initiatives in science, technology, and culture
- supply chain coordination
Italy stays aligned with Western policies
Italy remains firmly rooted in EU and NATO positions on China policy. Rome supports European economic security measures including screening foreign investments and reducing reliance on Chinese technologies.
However, Italy does not see China as an adversary. Rather, it views China as a partner requiring careful, rules-based engagement.
China seeks a stable foothold in Southern Europe
For China, Italy remains strategically important as:
- the EU’s third-largest economy
- a major industrial and technological hub
- a gateway to Mediterranean trade routes
- a key player in G20, UN, and global governance platforms
Beijing’s priority is ensuring that political differences do not undermine long-term economic relations.
Science, technology, and culture could be the new growth engines
Areas with strong potential for deeper cooperation include:
- green technologies
- electric mobility
- aerospace
- medical research
- university partnerships
- cultural heritage preservation
- tourism exchange
These sectors offer politically neutral, economically beneficial opportunities for both countries.
Conclusion: A Partnership Being Rebuilt on New Foundations
The Li–Meloni meeting demonstrated that China and Italy are not drifting apart, they are rebuilding their relationship around a more balanced, realistic foundation.
Italy is prioritizing trade reciprocity, market access, and supply chain security.
China is seeking predictable conditions, investment stability, and continued cooperation with a major European economy.
The 2025 G20 meeting in Johannesburg shows that, after the symbolic end of the BRI chapter, China and Italy are entering a new phase one shaped not by political grand narratives, but by tangible, mutually beneficial cooperation.
In an increasingly fragmented global environment, this pragmatic recalibration may prove more durable than the symbolism of the BRI.
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