Xi Jinping and Giorgia Meloni Discuss Global Crises in Beijing

At a meeting in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni addressed key global issues including the war in Ukraine, the Middle East crisis, and Indo-Pacific tensions. They discussed enhancing economic ties following Italy's exit from the Belt and Road Initiative and recent EU trade tensions with China.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni discussed pressing global issues, such as the war in Ukraine and the Middle East crisis, during a meeting in Beijing on Monday. According to Meloni's office, the Italian leader emphasized the significance of China as a strategic partner in addressing growing global insecurity.

The talks also covered priority international agenda items, including the escalating situation in the Indo-Pacific. Meloni aims to rejuvenate economic ties with Beijing after Italy left Xi's Belt and Road Initiative last year, amid strained trade relations between Western nations and China.

Highlighting the importance of China in global dynamics, Meloni met with Xi at the Diaoyutai State Guest House, discussing the protective stance of EU trade policy due to fears of cheap Chinese goods flooding the market. The European Commission recently announced preliminary tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports, escalating tensions. Despite withdrawing from the Belt and Road, Italy signed a three-year action plan with China on Sunday to strengthen trade relations.

(With inputs from agencies.)