Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani is on a visit to China from today until 18 April, with stops in Beijing and Shanghai. The itinerary includes official meetings with Chinese authorities and initiatives to promote economic and cultural ties.
In Beijing (16–17 April), Tajani will meet Foreign Minister Wang Yi and, together with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, will co-chair the 16th Joint Economic Commission and the Italy-China Business Dialogue, with the participation of Italian companies operating in the Chinese market.
The talks will focus on key international issues: from developments in the Middle East and the situation in the Strait of Hormuz – with particular attention to Pakistan’s mediation efforts – to the war in Ukraine. Tajani will reiterate the hope that Beijing will play an active role in bringing about a cessation of hostilities and the launch of credible negotiations.
There is also scope for strengthening bilateral relations through the implementation of the 2024–2027 Italy–China Three-Year Action Plan. Among the priorities are rebalancing trade and investment flows and removing barriers to market access for Italian products in China. China remains a key market for Italian exports: it is Italy’s leading trading partner in Asia and second among non-EU countries, with trade worth nearly €75 billion in 2025 (+11.2% on 2024).
The programme also includes high-profile cultural initiatives. In Beijing, Tajani will open the exhibition ‘Homage to the Great Masters. From Leonardo to Caravaggio. Masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance’ at the National Art Museum of China, alongside the Minister of Culture and Tourism Sun Yeli. This is the first of three exhibitions curated by the Uffizi Galleries. In Shanghai (17–18 April), the Minister will open the exhibition “Italia Meravigliosa” to mark National Made in Italy Day and will meet with representatives of the Italian business community in the country.
