In my latest Transatlantic Take for the German Marshall Fund, I addressed China’s charm offensive toward Italy (again). However, this time from a different perspective though, focusing on how this aggressive China’s approach triggered a political reaction. The public opinion is still fascinated. by Beijing’s help and support through the coronavirus crisis. Italian politicians, instead, have addressed this issue more resolutely.
“The more vocal stance on China by political actors such as Guerini and Amendola—and an emerging diversification of the positions on China inside the M5S —despite public opinion being more and more sympathetic to Beijing shows that Italy’s Euro-Atlantic feelings remain robust. They may not always be loud or popular, but they are still essential in shaping the country’s foreign policy.”
