Meloni’s trip aims to reset Italy-China relations after Belt and Road snub

US SECRETARY of State Antony Blinken’s visits to Asian allies – including Singapore on Tuesday (Jul 30) and Wednesday – dominated headlines this week, but two “under the radar” tours by senior European politicians may have significant consequences too for the region.

On Wednesday, Italian Prime Minister and current Group of Seven (G7) chair Giorgia Meloni concluded a five-day trip to Beijing. Meanwhile, the European Union’s (EU) most senior diplomat, Joseph Borrell, was in Vietnam to try to upgrade diplomatic relations, offering the bloc’s help in boosting maritime security and cybersecurity capabilities, as well as funding the reduction of coal use.

With Borrell soon to leave office, it was Meloni’s trip that received more attention. Her overriding goal in Beijing, which was only partially achieved, was to reset relations after her decision last year to pull Italy out of the Belt and Road agreement.