Italy And China’s Belt And Road Initiative ——A Study On The Memorandum Of Understanding

"The Belt and Road Initiative”（BRI）is a grand strategic economic strategy proposed by China,It calls for countries along the European and African routes to open up and cooperate in order to build a community of Shared Future.This thesis explores China’s "Belt and Road" initiative,focusing on Italy’s role in this regional strategic cooperation.China and Italy have jointly promoted the construction of"One Belt,One Road" and signed a bilateral memorandum of understanding in March 2019.The first part of this thesis mainly provides an overview of China’s motivation for launching the initiative,the benefits and risks associated with it,and the attitude of European countries towards the initiative.Chapters 2 to 6 describe the relationship between Italy and China,from the ancient Silk Road to contemporary political,economic and cultural exchanges.Italy is a pioneer in European relations with China,and the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding marks a new beginning of increasingly close relations between Italy and China.The Mo U has aroused enthusiastic reactions from all social circles in Italy,as well as shock and panic in the United States and the European Union,who are concerned that sensitive technologies and critical infrastructure in the West will fall into Chinese hands;besides,the thesis explores the various views of Italian community on the signing of the Mo U.For Italy,the Mo U represents two possibilities: one is to promote exports,providing more opportunities for Italian companies and products to enter the Chinese market,and the other is to promote more Chinese companies to invest in Italy.Italy’s support for the "One Belt,One Road" project,the strengthening of strategic links with China and the deepening of cooperation in the fields of ports,logistics and maritime transport,presents a historic opportunity for the Italian manufacturing industry to promote the "Made in Italy" brand and get rid of its difficulties.The thesis focuses on Italy’s position and role in the project.Italy is the first western developed country in the G7 to formally join the "Belt and Road" initiative,which is highly valued by the Chinese government.As an important country of the European continent and a bridge between North Africa and the Middle East,Italy will become China’s preferred partner in the fields of infrastructure and logistics,manufacturing and technological innovation.The comprehensive strategic partnership between Italy and China is not only limited to the economic and financial fields,but also includes political dialogue and cultural cooperation.China and Italy are outstanding representatives of the civilizations of the East and the West,and the two countries highly recognize and respect each other’s historical and cultural traditions.Within the framework of the "Belt and Road",the two sides attach importance to people-to-people and cultural exchanges and have established mechanisms of cooperation in the culture,tourism and education fields,which will promote the long-term development of the relationship between the two countries.