China once again hopping into the Italian pocket

The Wuhan-born Covid-19 pandemic revealed to the western world the unhealthy reliance on Chinese manufacturing. Ever since, western governments were seemingly apprehensive relying on China for anything. Italy was one such country that was heavily affected by the pandemic.

This apprehension in Italy has passed as Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni visited Beijing on the 28th of July, 2024. In hopes of revitalising Chinese investment in Italy, Meloni signed an action plan for the next 3 years to encourage a cooperative relationship with the Eastern powerhouse.

Economically, it is clear to see why right-wing Meloni decided to revitalise an Italian-Chinese relationship: the Italian economic growth is stagnant and almost dead in the water. An economic prop-up from foreign investment would do just the trick.

Unfortunately, this may come at a cost of moral upstanding. On Sunday, the Italian-Chinese business forum was accompanied by large conglomerates such as energy providers ENI, Pirelli the tyre makers and other luxury big-name brands. Solidifying the political and commercial cooperation of the two nation-states even further. This seems to signify Italian apathy for China's economic support in the Russian conquest of Ukraine.