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

This chapter considers the evolution of Sino-Italian relations since the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, until today. The chapter will be 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 will be 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.