Portrait of Giorgia Meloni
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Giorgia Meloni on China Relations

Skeptical Atlanticist (strong) Position evolved

Giorgia Meloni expresses a critical stance on China Relations, which is characterized by a shift towards Atlanticism and alignment with key Western allies like the United States.

Her administration has shown a clear preference for strengthening Western security and economic frameworks over deep engagement with Beijing, evidenced by her considerations regarding the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Furthermore, Meloni is noted as a supporter of closer ties between Italy and Taiwan, positioning her government within the broader Western discourse on Indo-Pacific security and competition with the People's Republic of China.

Timeline

  1. As a party leader in opposition, Giorgia Meloni expressed a critical view of China's role in the Syrian Civil War.
  2. Meloni advocated for Turkey's EU candidate status to be withdrawn due to Erdogan's 'authoritarian, Islamist direction,' signaling a broader skepticism towards non-Western aligned powers.
  3. After becoming Prime Minister, Meloni emphasized her commitment to the transatlantic alliance, which inherently recalibrates relations with China compared to previous governments that favored closer ties.
  4. During a meeting with US President Joe Biden, Meloni and Biden discussed China, signaling that China was a key point of alignment in the US-Italy relationship.
  5. Prime Minister Meloni considered withdrawing Italy from China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), marking a major policy shift.
  6. Meloni criticized the EU's 2035 ban on new petrol/diesel cars, linking it to a potential future strategic dependency on Chinese electric vehicles.

Actions Taken

  1. Foreign Policy Review
    Considered withdrawing Italy from the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), signaling a desire to reverse the previous administration's major engagement with China.
  2. Bilateral Diplomacy
    Discussed China as a key topic with US President Joe Biden during their bilateral meeting, aligning on foreign policy challenges.

Related Positions

  • Transatlantic Relations Meloni actively works to preserve and leverage her relationship with the US and is a strong supporter of NATO, which frames her China policy as one of alignment with Western rivals of Beijing.
  • European Union Policy Her 'Eurorealist' stance suggests a desire for Italian national interest to guide foreign policy, including towards China, rather than a fully integrated EU bloc position.
  • Taiwan Meloni is explicitly mentioned as a supporter of closer ties between Italy and Taiwan, indicating a more robust diplomatic stance in the region.

Comparison

Compared to the Draghi Cabinet's approach, Meloni's government is actively reconsidering engagement with China, particularly regarding the BRI.

  • Predecessor: The previous Italian government, led by Mario Draghi, was involved in the BRI.
  • Meloni's Stance: She expressed a willingness to withdraw, prioritizing alignment with NATO and US strategic concerns over deepening economic ties with Beijing.