Italian President Mattarella Meets Xi Jinping in Beijing

Italian President Sergio Mattarella met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing amidst geopolitical tensions involving NATO and China's support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict. During the meeting, Mattarella emphasized the importance of bilateral relations and urged China to play a more active role in mediating global issues, including the war in Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East. Both leaders acknowledged the historical ties between Italy and China, with Xi celebrating the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo's journey to China. Despite the political differences, they signed multiple agreements focused on culture, technology, and trade. Italy, heavily reliant on trade with China, has recently withdrawn from China's Belt and Road Initiative due to unmet investment expectations. The discussions highlighted a desire for increased cooperation while navigating complex international challenges.