Mattarella's state visit marks a new chapter in China-Italy relations

Editor's note: Matteo Giovannini, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a finance professional at the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, a Non-Resident Associate Fellow at the Center for China and Globalization and a member of the Global Young Leaders Dialogue. The article reflects the author's views and not necessarily those of CGTN.

Italian President Sergio Mattarella's six-day state visit to China represents a milestone in the ongoing development of the China-Italy partnership. Against the backdrop of two decades of strategic cooperation, Mattarella's visit highlights a renewed commitment to deepening cultural, commercial, and diplomatic ties between Rome and Beijing and symbolizes not only the resilience of the bilateral relationship but also its evolution in an era of rapid geopolitical shifts and global challenges.

The choice to center the visit on cultural relations is both fitting and timely. This year marks the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo's death, a figure who has long served as a symbol of the historical ties between China and Italy. Marco Polo's journeys forged a bridge between East and West, inspiring centuries of curiosity, cultural exchange and trade. With both Chinese President Xi Jinping and Mattarella attending a concert at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing to honor this legacy, it underscored the broader cultural significance of the partnership.

Culture has always been a cornerstone of this relationship, and the continued promotion of cultural diplomacy will ensure that both countries remain connected through shared history and mutual respect, even as they engage in complex diplomatic and economic dialogues.

Beyond the cultural sphere, the visit is also an opportunity to enhance the comprehensive strategic partnership that Italy and China established 20 years ago. Italy, as a G7 nation, plays a unique role as a gateway to Europe for China, while China has been an increasingly important market and investment partner for Italy. Over the past two decades, trade between the two countries has grown substantially, with Italian exports to China diversifying across sectors, from fashion and luxury goods to machinery and automotive technology.

However, recent global economic uncertainties and changing dynamics within the European Union have necessitated a re-evaluation of Italy's economic ties with China. Mattarella's visit provides a platform for discussions on renewing and diversifying the trade and investment framework between the two nations, ensuring that the partnership remains mutually beneficial and adaptable to evolving global market conditions.

China and Italy share a vested interest in sustaining robust economic collaboration. Italian companies continue to view China as a crucial market, especially in areas like luxury fashion, automotive, and high-end manufacturing. Chinese firms have demonstrated a keen interest in Italian brands and technology, recognizing Italy's reputation for quality, innovation, and craftsmanship.

In recent years, China has shown a willingness to invest in Italian companies and infrastructure, an aspect that has raised both opportunities and questions within the Italian and broader European context. Discussions during this state visit have addressed ways to achieve a balanced approach to foreign investments that respects Italy's national interests while fostering productive economic ties with China.

As part of these economic discussions, technology and green energy cooperation have been key areas of focus. With the global push toward sustainable development, Italy's expertise in green technology and renewable energy presents an area of natural synergy with China's ambitious goals for decarbonization and environmental protection. Whether through joint ventures in energy technology, sustainable manufacturing, or green finance, China and Italy have much to gain from collaborating. This cooperation could serve as a model for other nations, demonstrating that sustainable development goals need not come at the expense of economic growth.

In addition to economic and cultural matters, the visit has served to address international crises and security challenges. From regional conflicts to the global impacts of climate change, the international stage is increasingly fraught with complex issues requiring multilateral cooperation. China and Italy both recognize the importance of maintaining stability in their respective regions, and their strategic dialogue can provide valuable insights into areas of mutual concern, including trade security, regional tensions, and pandemic response. 

As an EU member with significant influence, Italy serves as a critical interlocutor for China on European perspectives regarding issues such as the ongoing Ukraine conflict and regional security challenges in the Indo-Pacific. By strengthening Italy's voice in such discussions, this visit also serves to reinforce the role of diplomacy in addressing some of today's most pressing global challenges.

Mattarella's presence in China offers a clear affirmation of Italy's commitment to fostering constructive engagement with Beijing. This visit emphasizes the importance of long-term collaboration and mutual respect, especially at a time when international relations are marked by rising tensions and trade disputes. 

For China, the visit signals the value placed on its relationship with Italy and, by extension, the broader EU. China understands that Italy's unique position as a cultural and economic bridge between the East and West holds strategic value, particularly as Beijing navigates its relationships with the EU and other Western powers. By prioritizing both cultural and commercial discussions, this state visit exemplifies the balance Italy seeks to strike – one that honors historical ties, adapts to modern realities, and respects the evolving demands of the international community.

As Mattarella concludes his tour through Beijing, Hangzhou, and Guangzhou, the legacy of Marco Polo's spirit of exploration and exchange is once again reaffirmed. The China-Italy relationship, steeped in shared cultural admiration and driven by mutual economic interests, continues to grow, demonstrating resilience in an era where partnerships often face heightened scrutiny. This visit is not merely a diplomatic formality; it is a testament to the enduring power of cultural diplomacy and strategic partnership to bridge divides, create opportunities, and contribute to a more interconnected, stable world.

China and Italy's commitment to reinforcing their relationship amid today's challenges sends a powerful message that cooperation, built on respect and shared goals, remains a viable path forward in global affairs.

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