The adjustment and influence of the Italian government’s policy towards China under the background of BRI

Abstract

This paper makes a brief review of the Italy's policy towards China before the BRI was proposed, and the characteristics of Italy's policy towards China through the methods of literature analysis and comparative study.

This paper holds that based on the BRI, the adjustment of Italy's policy towards China is mainly reflected in three aspects: politics, economy and culture. The adjustment of the policy towards China has also had an important impact on Sino-Italian relations and Sino EU relations. 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Italy. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, although the two countries have experienced hardships, they have always adhered to the principles of mutual respect, mutual benefit and win-win results, and achieved in-depth development. In 2019, Italy experienced a government crisis that has attracted much attention. After a series of changes, Italy's policy towards China has shown a more moderate and pragmatic attitude. It has not only strengthened its relations with China in the field of economic and trade investment, but also continuously promoted exchanges and cooperation between the two sides in the fields of science and technology, green and low-carbon economy and culture. More importantly, Italy has deeply promoted cultural exchanges and cooperation with China under the framework of the BRI. The cultural exchanges and cooperation between the two countries have made a qualitative leap. China and Italy no longer stick to the traditional "gathering for profit", strengthened mutual trust and enhanced mutual understanding. As one of the founding member states of the European Union, Italy is of great significance to the development of China-EU relations. The prominence of China-Italy relations has led to a big step forward in China-EU relations. In addition, the United States plays an important role in Sino-European relations, and Italy joined the "Belt and Road" initiative marking the gradual weakening of US influence in Sino-European relations. Therefore, Italy is very likely to play a certain role in Sino-European relations in the future.