On October 8, 2025 local time, the 12th Joint Meeting of the China-Italy Government Committee was held in Rome. Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the meeting together with Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani. They listened to reports from representatives of both sides' member units and delivered concluding remarks.

Wang Yi said that since last year, President Sergio Mattarella, Senate President Ignazio La Russa, and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have respectively visited China, and China and Italy jointly issued an action plan on strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership. Both sides have actively implemented the important common understandings reached by the leaders of the two countries. Taking the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries this year as an opportunity, the two sides have steadily expanded practical cooperation in various fields, with numerous highlights.

Wang Yi said that the China-Italy Government Committee, as the first intergovernmental cooperation mechanism established between China and a European country, has now entered its 21st year. It has played an important role in advancing the development of bilateral relations and won broad trust and support from various sectors of both countries. At a time when the current international situation is undergoing rapid and profound changes, China-Italy cooperation faces new situations, new opportunities, and new challenges. China is ready to work with Italy to uphold the original aspiration of establishing the China-Italy Government Committee, adhere to fundamental principles while breaking new ground, and promote the upgrading of the cooperation mechanism to version 2.0, which is more systematic, targeted and effective, so as to better align with the development strategy of China-Italy relations.

First, reinforcing the strategic dimension of the mechanism is key to making it more dynamic. Efforts should stay aligned with the important common understandings reached and strategic guidance provided by the leaders of both countries on bilateral relations, innovate working approaches, and accelerate the implementation of the three-year action plan.

Second, strengthening the platform building is key to making the mechanism more vibrant. The two sides should strengthen the design of agendas and topics, actively promote exchanges and mutual visits, facilitate connections between enterprises and institutions, deeply tap potential, and endow bilateral cooperation with new impetus.

Third, promoting sub-national cooperation is key to making the mechanism more practical. It is important to fully leverage the role of localities as active drivers of trade cooperation and cultural exchanges between the two countries and to continuously stimulate the vitality of local enterprise connections and people-to-people exchanges.

Wang Yi 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. Against the backdrop of a complex and turbulent international situation, China and Italy should demonstrate their sense of responsibility and commitment, follow the trend of the times, and maintain mutual trust and joint achievements. Guided by an open spirit, the two sides should expand and enhance pragmatic cooperation, making greater contributions to their respective economic development and the well-being of the peoples of both countries through fruitful cooperation outcomes.

Antonio Tajani positively evaluated the sound development of China-Italy relations and the fruitful outcomes achieved, stating that Italy and China share a long-standing friendship, with Marco Polo and Matteo Ricci being the envoys and symbols of traditional friendship between the two countries. Through joint efforts of both sides, Italy and China have established a comprehensive strategic partnership, and bilateral cooperation has yielded fruitful results that bring tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries. The Italy-China Government Committee has played an important role in this regard. The minutes of the meeting are detailed and concrete, reflecting the positive intentions of both sides. China is among Italy's priority cooperative partners, and the Italian side attaches great importance to the vast opportunities offered by the Chinese market. Italy looks forward to further strengthening exchanges and cooperation with China in various fields such as economy and trade, investment, science and technology, culture and sports, and enhancing mutual understanding between the two peoples. Italy is willing to join hands with China to uphold free trade, keep the global supply chain unimpeded, and make joint efforts to peacefully resolve international disputes through dialogue.