A Test Case for Europe: Sino-Italian Relations in the ‘Old’ and ‘New’ Cold War

This chapter, written by Enrico Fardella and Caterina Favino, considers the evolution of Sino-Italian relations since the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, until today. The chapter is divided in four sections: an analysis of Sino-Italian relations in the emergence of the Cold War structure in 1950s and 1960s; an account of the development of bilateral relations from the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1970 until the end of the Cold War with a special focus on the ‘golden era’ of Sino-Italian relations in 1980s; and a description of Italy’s failed attempt to consolidate its share in the growing Chinese markets in the post-Cold War era. Finally, a session is dedicated to the most recent evolution of Sino-Italian relations during Xi Jinping’s leadership, concluding with a set of policy prescriptions for a reassessment of Italy’s China policy in the framework of the so called ‘New’ Cold War.

This chapter was published in the book “China and the Belt and Road Initiative: Trade Relationships, Business Opportunities and Political Impacts”, edited by Young-Chan Kim for Springer.

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