On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Italian counterpart, Antonio Tajani, convened in Rome for the 12th Joint Meeting of the China-Italy Government Committee, a platform designed to foster dialogue and cooperation between the two nations. The meeting, which was followed by a separate bilateral discussion, underscored the commitment of both countries to deepen their economic, trade, and diplomatic relations while addressing pressing global issues, including the ongoing conflicts in Palestine and Ukraine. According to an official statement released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday, October 9, 2025, the discussions were marked by a shared vision of promoting free trade, multilateralism, and peaceful resolutions to international disputes.
Strengthening Economic and Trade Relations
At the heart of the discussions was a mutual desire to bolster economic and trade ties between China and Italy, two nations recognized as significant players in the global economy. Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized that both countries are major economies that champion free trade and serve as key advocates for multilateralism in an increasingly complex global landscape. He highlighted the importance of expanding and optimizing practical cooperation to drive economic development and enhance the well-being of their respective populations.
The bilateral trade volume between China and Italy has seen remarkable growth, surpassing $80 billion, a testament to the robust economic partnership between the two nations. This figure underscores the success of past collaborations and sets the stage for further deepening economic ties. Wang called for an open spirit in bilateral cooperation, urging both sides to seize opportunities to enhance trade and investment flows. He emphasized that such collaboration would not only benefit the economies of China and Italy but also contribute to global economic stability.
As a gesture of goodwill and to further facilitate people-to-people exchanges, Wang announced that China has implemented a unilateral visa-free policy for Italian citizens, a measure that will continue to be extended. This policy, he noted, is designed to encourage more Italians to visit China, fostering cultural and personal connections between the two nations. “We welcome more Italian friends to enjoy a spontaneous ‘journey to China,’” Wang remarked, highlighting the potential for increased tourism and interpersonal ties to strengthen bilateral relations.
Italy’s Commitment to Cooperation
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani reciprocated China’s enthusiasm for enhanced cooperation, expressing Italy’s readiness to work closely with China on multilateral initiatives. Tajani emphasized the importance of joint efforts to promote peaceful resolutions to global conflicts, specifically referencing the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the Ukraine crisis. He stressed that Italy is committed to upholding free trade and ensuring the stability of global supply chains, which have faced significant disruptions in recent years due to geopolitical tensions and economic challenges.
Tajani reaffirmed Italy’s firm adherence to the one-China policy, a stance that has been a cornerstone of diplomatic relations between the two countries. “Italy will never waver from this position,” he declared, signaling Rome’s commitment to maintaining stable and respectful relations with Beijing. This statement is particularly significant given the complex geopolitical dynamics that both nations navigate, including pressures from other global powers and regional alliances.
Addressing Global Challenges
The discussions between Wang and Tajani were not limited to bilateral matters but extended to pressing global issues. Both ministers underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving international disputes. Tajani highlighted Italy’s willingness to collaborate with China to address conflicts such as those in Palestine and Ukraine through peaceful means. This commitment reflects a shared understanding that global stability depends on cooperative efforts to mitigate tensions and foster dialogue among conflicting parties.
The Palestinian-Israeli conflict, a long-standing issue with far-reaching implications for the Middle East and beyond, was a focal point of the discussions. Both ministers expressed a desire to see a peaceful resolution to the conflict, emphasizing the need for dialogue to address the humanitarian and political challenges in the region. Similarly, the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has disrupted global energy markets, food supplies, and geopolitical alignments, was a key topic. Wang and Tajani agreed that collaborative efforts are essential to finding pathways to peace and stability in these conflict zones.
Historical Context and the Belt and Road Initiative
The meeting also provided an opportunity to reflect on the historical context of China-Italy relations. In 2019, Italy made headlines as the only member of the Group of Seven (G7) nations to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a global infrastructure development project aimed at enhancing connectivity and trade across Asia, Europe, and Africa. Italy’s participation in the BRI was seen as a bold move to strengthen economic ties with China, despite concerns from some of its Western allies about the implications of aligning with Beijing’s ambitious initiative.
However, in 2023, Italy made the decision to exit the BRI, citing a need to reassess its strategic priorities. While this move marked a shift in Italy’s approach to the initiative, it did not derail the broader trajectory of China-Italy relations. The robust trade volume of over $80 billion demonstrates that economic ties between the two nations remain strong, even in the absence of Italy’s participation in the BRI. The discussions in Rome reaffirmed that both countries are committed to finding new avenues for collaboration, with a focus on mutual benefit and global stability.
A Shared Vision for Multilateralism
Both Wang and Tajani emphasized the importance of multilateralism in addressing the challenges of a rapidly changing world. Wang noted that the global landscape is marked by “complex and intertwined changes,” requiring nations to work together to navigate uncertainties. He called for China and Italy to serve as stabilizing forces in the international community, advocating for open markets, fair trade practices, and cooperative solutions to global problems.
Tajani echoed this sentiment, expressing Italy’s commitment to working with China to uphold the principles of free trade and multilateral cooperation. He highlighted the need to maintain the “smoothness of the global supply chain,” particularly in light of recent disruptions caused by conflicts, pandemics, and other global crises. By aligning their efforts, both nations aim to contribute to a more resilient and interconnected global economy.
Looking Ahead
The 12th Joint Meeting of the China-Italy Government Committee and the accompanying bilateral discussions mark a significant step forward in the relationship between China and Italy. The commitment to deepening economic ties, promoting free trade, and addressing global challenges through dialogue reflects a shared vision for a cooperative and prosperous future. The visa-free policy for Italian citizens is a practical measure that will likely boost tourism and cultural exchanges, further strengthening the bonds between the two peoples.
As China and Italy continue to navigate the complexities of the global stage, their partnership serves as an example of how nations with different political systems and historical backgrounds can find common ground. By prioritizing dialogue, mutual respect, and shared goals, both countries are well-positioned to make meaningful contributions to global peace, stability, and economic development.
The outcomes of the Rome meeting signal a renewed commitment to collaboration, with both sides expressing optimism about the future of China-Italy relations. As global challenges continue to evolve, the partnership between these two nations will likely play an increasingly important role in shaping a more cooperative and interconnected world.
