Biden and Meloni to Hold Summit on 27th... Discussing "Reorganizing Relations with China"

U.S. President Joe Biden and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will hold talks at the White House on the 27th (local time).

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated in a press release on the 12th, "President Biden will welcome Prime Minister Meloni to reaffirm the strong relationship between the two countries."

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Press Secretary Jean-Pierre explained, "The two leaders will discuss their shared strategic interests, including their joint commitment to continue supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression, development in North Africa, and closer transatlantic cooperation regarding China."

Prime Minister Meloni also informed the press after attending the NATO summit held in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, saying, "The visit to Washington is at the invitation of President Biden," revealing her plans to visit the U.S. This will be Meloni's first official visit to Washington since taking office in October last year.

In Italian political circles, there is speculation that during this summit, Prime Minister Meloni may discuss with President Biden whether to withdraw from China's Belt and Road Initiative. Italy officially joined the Belt and Road Initiative in 2019 during the tenure of former Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation with China in the energy, aviation, and port sectors.

In the context of escalating U.S.-China hegemonic competition, Italy's participation in the Belt and Road Initiative held symbolic significance for China as a Western country. The agreement between the two countries will be automatically renewed next year and maintained unless Italy notifies its withdrawal.

Amid heightened conflicts over economic and security issues between the U.S. and China, and with the European Union (EU) strengthening relations with Taiwan to foster the semiconductor industry, Italy has begun to reconsider its relationship with China.

However, if Italy officially confirms its participation in the Belt and Road Initiative, it is expected that China will respond with economic retaliation. The Italian government appears to be aware of China's opposition and has started preparing measures to minimize economic damage to its domestic companies.

According to Bloomberg in May, Italian government officials are reportedly considering various administrative measures to control excessive influence by Chinese shareholders in Pirelli, Italy's tire manufacturing company.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.