Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Beijing on Monday. Xi emphasized that China and Italy are situated at the two ends of the ancient Silk Road, noting that the long-standing tradition of friendly exchanges between the two countries has significantly contributed to mutual understanding and exchanges between Eastern and Western civilizations as a whole, as well as to the progress of all humanity.
The spirit of the Silk Road, characterized by peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and reciprocal benefits, is a common treasure of China and Italy, Xi said.
The Chinese President stated that, in the face of unprecedented global changes in the last century, countries must either advance together through unity and connectivity or regress separately through division and isolation. China and Italy should uphold and promote the spirit of the Silk Road, view and develop bilateral relations from a historical perspective with a strategic and long-term vision, and promote the stability and sustainability of their relationship. Xi emphasized that the healthy and stable development of relations between China and Italy aligns with the common interests of both countries and their peoples. Despite the profound changes in the international landscape, China’s commitment to valuing and developing relations with Italy remains unchanged, and the nature of the mutually beneficial cooperation and friendship between the two peoples remains steadfast, the Chinese leader added.
Xi called on both sides to continue the tradition of friendly exchanges and to respect each other’s chosen paths of development. Noting that China and Italy have complementary industrial advantages and represent opportunities for each other, Xi stressed that both sides should adhere to the principles of openness and mutual cooperation. Following the conclusion of the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, China will continue to promote high-level openness, inject strong momentum into Chinese modernization, and create new opportunities for expanding cooperation with Italy and other countries, the Chinese President added.
Xi noted that China is willing to work with Italy to optimize and modernize traditional cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, production, and technological innovation, and to explore cooperation in emerging fields such as electric vehicles and artificial intelligence. The Chinese side invites Italian companies to invest in China and is prepared to import more high-quality products from Italy, expressing hope that Italy will provide a fair, transparent, safe, and non-discriminatory business environment that facilitates the development of Chinese enterprises in the European country. Xi also emphasized the importance of valuing achievements in cultural exchanges and mutual learning, promoting cultural heritage and innovation, and strengthening the friendship between the two peoples.
The Chinese President reiterated support for Italy in hosting the 2026 Winter Olympics and expressed hope that Italy will implement convenient visa policies for Chinese citizens traveling to Italy. In a world dominated by economic globalization, mutually beneficial development can only be achieved by maintaining openness and cooperation within global industrial and supply chains. China adheres to the path of peaceful development and does not seek hegemony, being willing to share development opportunities with other countries, the Chinese leader added. Xi expressed hope that Italy will understand and support China’s development concept and play a constructive role in promoting dialogue and cooperation between China and Europe, as well as in actively advancing the positive and stable development of relations between China and the EU.
Meloni stated that, as countries with ancient civilizations, Italy and China have always demonstrated mutual appreciation and learned from each other. The current international situation is marked by profound changes, and China, as a major important country, plays an irreplaceable role in addressing global challenges, the Italian Prime Minister noted. Italy places great importance on China’s international position and role and is willing to carry forward the ancient spirit of the Silk Road, develop a closer and higher-level partnership with China, open a new chapter in the strategic comprehensive partnership between the two countries, and make new contributions to global peace and progress.
Meloni affirmed that Italy supports the One-China policy and hopes to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with China, harness the potential for cooperation, deepen bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, electric vehicles, and artificial intelligence, enhance people-to-people exchanges, and encourage the entry of more Italian products into the Chinese market. Italy opposes decoupling and protectionism and is ready to play a positive role in further deepening and strengthening relations between the EU and China.
The two sides have issued an action plan for the period 2024-2027 to strengthen their strategic comprehensive partnership.
