Seeking greater opportunities for trade with and investment from China, Italy has built a closer economic relationship with China over the last few years, including becoming the first EU country to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). However, as U.S.-China rivalry has intensified and popular opinion toward China remains muted, Italy—as a NATO member and U.S. ally—is increasingly taking steps to avoid too much economic exposure to China, in which it recently withdrew from the BRI and has blocked a significant amount of Chinese direct investment. But Dr. Matteo Dian also advises the United States against lumping China together with Russia (which Italy is much more willing to sideline given its war in Ukraine) and encourages the U.S. to provide economic alternatives to Chinese investment and trade to prevent major costs to Italy and other European countries.

About NCUSCR:

The National Committee on United States-China Relations is the leading American, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization devoted to promoting constructive engagement between the United States and Greater China.

With over five decades of experience developing innovative programs at the forefront of U.S.-China relations, the National Committee focuses its exchange, educational and policy activities on politics and security, education, governance and civil society, economic cooperation, media and transnational issues, addressing these with respect to mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Our distinguished board of directors and individual and corporate members from around the United States represent many viewpoints, but share the conviction that ongoing public outreach, face-to-face communication and forthright exchange of ideas is essential for healthy Sino-American relations. Learn more: https://www.ncuscr.org/about.