Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China-Italy cooperation is full of highlights and mutually beneficial, and called for enhanced cooperation between the two countries on Wednesday.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks when attending the 12th Joint Meeting of the China-Italy Government Committee in Rome with Antonio Tajani, Italy’s deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation.
Wang said that China and Italy are two major economies that support free trade, two major forces that safeguard multilateralism, and two ancient civilizations that advocate exchanges and mutual learning.
In a world facing complex and intertwined changes, Wang called for China and Italy to demonstrate their sense of responsibility and commitment, follow the trend of the times, always trust each other, and achieve mutual success.
Both sides should uphold an open spirit to expand and optimize practical cooperation, and make greater contributions to their respective economic development and the well-being of the two peoples with rich cooperation achievements, Wang said.
Wang noted that China and Italy have actively implemented the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries since last year. Taking the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Italy this year as an opportunity, the two countries have steadily expanded practical cooperation in various fields, with numerous highlights, he said.
The China-Italy Lin-gang Innovation Cooperation Park has been largely completed, the two sides jointly launched the Zhangheng 1-02 electromagnetic monitoring satellite, the double taxation agreement between China and Italy officially took effect, both sides have supported each other in promoting enterprises, and more than 70 Italian companies will participate in the 8th China International Import Expo, said Wang.
The two countries have launched the first batch of four classic literary works for mutual translation, over 10 outstanding Chinese and Italian films have been screened in both countries, Shanghai and Shenzhen have respectively held twin-city events with Milan, the fashion design forum and the lifestyle week, he said.
China has implemented a unilateral visa-free policy for Italian citizens and will continue to extend it, welcoming more Italian friends to enjoy a spontaneous “journey to China,” he added.
Tangible benefits
Tajani positively evaluated the sound development of Italy-China relations and the fruitful outcomes achieved, stating that the friendship between the two countries has deep historical roots.
Thanks to the joint efforts of both sides, Italy and China have established a comprehensive strategic partnership that has yielded tangible benefits for the two peoples, with the Italy-China Government Committee playing an important role in this process, Tajani said, adding that the outcomes of the meeting reflect the positive intentions of both parties.
Tajani also noted that China is among Italy’s priority partners, and the Italian side attaches great importance to the vast opportunities offered by the Chinese market.
Italy looks forward to further deepening exchanges and cooperation with China in economy and trade, investment, science and technology, culture and sports, and enhancing mutual understanding between the two peoples, he said.
Italy is willing to join hands with China to uphold free trade, maintain the smoothness of the global supply chain, and make joint efforts to peacefully resolve international disputes through dialogue, he added.
During separate talks with Tajani, Wang said as comprehensive strategic partners, China and Italy should maintain close exchanges, trust and support each other, and address each other’s major concerns.
China hopes and believes that Italy will continue to faithfully adhere to the one-China principle and consolidate the political foundation for the sound and steady growth of bilateral relations, Wang said.
Tajani said that Italy firmly adheres to the one-China policy and will never waver in this position. He noted that China, as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, plays a pivotal role in safeguarding world peace and development.
Italy stands ready to strengthen multilateral cooperation with China and to work together to promote the peaceful resolution of issues such as the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the Ukraine crisis, he said.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets the press together with Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani in Rome, Italy, October 8, 2025. /Xinhua
Wisdom of ancient civilizations guides cooperation
While meeting the press together with Tajani later on Wednesday, Wang said China and Italy, drawing on the wisdom of their rich ancient civilizations, can both strengthen bilateral ties and offer practical pathways for the international community to respond to today’s global challenges.
Mutual respect, openness, cooperation and mutual learning are the shared principles of China and Italy, embodying the wisdom of two ancient civilizations, said Wang. They not only provide a solid guarantee for the development of bilateral relations but also offer practical pathways for the international community to address the changes of our times.
China will soon hold the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, launching the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) for National Economic and Social Development. During the 15th Five-Year Plan period, China will accelerate industrial transformation and upgrading toward high-end, intelligent and green development, and promote high-level opening-up of its super-large market, which is expected to provide new opportunities for cooperation with countries, including Italy, Wang said.
He noted that China and Italy, as representatives of Eastern and Western civilizations, have made significant contributions to the development and progress of human society.
Wang expressed China’s willingness to work with Italy to continue to be a constructive force for maintaining peace, stability, development and prosperity, to promote international unity in addressing global challenges, build a more just and equitable global governance system, and jointly advance toward a community with a shared future for mankind.
