Wang in Rome courts the EU against Trump's America

A tour of the European capitals, starting with Italy, to strengthen relations between China and the European Union, in the face of unspecified "external forces" that promote "provocation and damage" to these relations. A not too veiled reference to Donald Trump's United States by the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, today in Rome to meet his counterpart Luigi Di Maio. From here he will then move on to Holland, Norway, France and Germany. Just as the outline of the current US presidency can be glimpsed when, in a press conference at Villa Madama, Wang points the finger at the "wind of unilateralism and the Cold War" that he feels blowing in the world. A drift, he assures, that China "does not intend to allow". Beijing's geo-strategic objective seems clear: to give weight to Europe to seek a friendly side in the growing tension with Washington.

Open fronts have multiplied with the US in recent months, despite an imminent, not simple resumption of trade talks: ranging from the US arms sale to Taiwan to the disputed security law in Hong Kong, from the accusations of Washington on Chinese responsibilities for Coronavirus to Huawei's technology crusade against 5G and the Tik Tok and WeChat apps. A complicated scenario, in which allies would be very comfortable in Beijing. And therefore, if the current American administration has always shown itself to be at least lukewarm towards the EU - if not openly hostile as in the commercial field - Wang instead presents the Dragon as "an always reliable friend". Because "a united, stable and prosperous Europe is important for the whole world: this is our strategic judgment and China - he promises - will continue to support European integration with its concrete actions".

And to offer its help not only to overcome the pandemic but also to cope with the consequences of the economic crisis. As for Italy, in this context of increasingly rough friction between the two world superpowers, it aims to play "a bridging role", explains the head of the Farnesina Di Maio. While reiterating that the country "will keep faith with its historical alliances", namely the United States and NATO. In short, if on the one hand "China is now an unavoidable player on any international scenario", and an important partner for our country, Italy - assures the minister - "has a clear international position: alliances do not vary and are firmly and stronger than ever ". A position that for Di Maio allows for "a healthy and loyal relationship" based on "frankness" in dialogue with China.