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Meloni Meets Xi: Relaunching Italy-China Relations

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Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described China as an “important interlocutor” for managing global tensions during her meeting with President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Xi acknowledged the “long-established friendly” relations and emphasized “tolerance, mutual trust, and mutual respect” between the two nations.

On her first visit to China since taking office, Meloni and Chinese Premier Li Qiang signed a three-year plan aimed at enhancing economic cooperation. This five-day trip follows Meloni’s decision last year to withdraw Italy from President Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a move motivated by the disappointing returns on the significant investment scheme intended to boost bilateral trade.

Meloni framed her visit as an effort to “relaunch” the Italy-China relationship. After discussions with Xi at Beijing’s Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, she noted the rising global insecurity and the necessity for China to play a crucial role in addressing these challenges. Meloni highlighted the need for the two countries to collaborate for stability and peace.

Italy’s prime minister’s office reported that their talks covered various global governance issues, including the Ukraine conflict, potential escalations in the Middle East, and increasing tensions in the Indo-Pacific. Xi called for both nations to “uphold the spirit of the Silk Road” to foster a new era in East-West relations, stating that both sides have significant opportunities for mutual growth and welcoming Italian investments in China while expressing a willingness to import more high-quality Italian goods.

Italy was the only major Western nation to sign onto the BRI, which was met with strong criticism from the US and other Western countries. Since assuming office in 2022, Meloni has adopted a more pro-Western and pro-NATO stance than her predecessors, previously criticizing the prior government’s decision to join the BRI as a “serious mistake.” Alicia Garcia-Herrero, chief economist for the Asia Pacific at Natixis, remarked that Meloni’s absence from the BRI allows her to engage with China on a more equal footing, as a partner rather than a subordinate.

Under Meloni’s leadership, Italy has blocked a Chinese state-owned firm from acquiring the tire manufacturer Pirelli and supported the European Commission’s recent move to impose tariffs of up to 37.6% on electric vehicles imported from China. Trade between Italy and China reached 66.8 billion euros (£56.3 billion) last year, making China Italy’s largest non-EU trading partner after the US.

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Germany: Far-right celebrate beating Scholz’s party

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Alice Weidel, leader of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), expressed on Monday that there is a growing demand for a vote of confidence and new elections, stating that the public is frustrated. The AfD is celebrating their unexpected success in the European Parliament elections, where they secured 16%, surpassing Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s centre-left SPD.

Despite facing numerous scandals, including allegations of money laundering, connections to the Kremlin, and espionage for China, the AfD’s campaign managed to perform well. Their two lead candidates, Maximilian Krah and Petr Bystron, were sidelined due to investigations into these allegations, with Krah further tarnishing the party’s image by downplaying Nazi crimes. Consequently, France’s hard-right leader Marine Le Pen distanced herself from the AfD.

In an effort to rehabilitate the party’s image, Weidel has excluded Krah from the AfD’s EU delegation. The party attributes the scandals to a “media campaign” and criticizes the judiciary and intelligence services for being politically biased. This narrative of victimization seems to have resonated with voters.

The AfD’s effective use of social media and direct slogans contrasted with the government’s more abstract campaign messaging about “defending democracy.” Co-leader Tino Chrupalla emphasized addressing real issues over engaging in mutual insults, which appeared to appeal to the electorate, especially in eastern Germany and among younger voters.

Meanwhile, the governing coalition is grappling with the poor election results, described as a “painful humiliation” by an SPD leader. Although the conservatives led with 30%, their performance was not seen as particularly strong given the government’s unpopularity. In eastern Germany, the AfD outperformed them, and the results complicate the formation of a stable coalition in the national parliament.

This outcome bolsters CDU leader Friedrich Merz’s efforts to steer his party towards a more conservative stance and supports his ambition to become Germany’s next chancellor. However, the real beneficiaries of the election are the populists.

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Zelensky accuses Russia and China of undermining summit

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Ukrainian President Zelensky has accused Russia and China of trying to sabotage his upcoming global peace summit in Switzerland. He claims Russia is pressuring countries not to attend and alleges China is assisting in this effort. Zelensky made these statements at an Asian security forum, where he urged delegates to attend his summit focused on nuclear security, food security, and the release of prisoners of war and Ukrainian children held in Russia.

Despite 106 countries confirming attendance, Russia has not been invited and China is not participating. Zelensky criticized China for being an instrument in Putin’s hands and accused China of supplying elements for Russia’s weaponry. However, China denies supplying weapons to either side of the Ukraine conflict and asserts its commitment to peace.

Zelensky also discussed with US Secretary of Defense Austin the US decision to allow Ukraine to use American weapons on Russian territory, albeit with restrictions. This move by the US and other Western states has drawn warnings from Russia about serious consequences.

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German far right in disarray after AfD Nazi remark

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Maximilian Krah, a prominent far-right German politician from the Alternative for Germany (AfD), announced he would scale back his campaign efforts for the upcoming EU elections while remaining the party’s lead candidate. This decision followed a controversial interview with the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, where Krah remarked that not all SS members were automatically “criminals” and emphasized assessing individual culpability. He referenced Günter Grass, the German novelist who served in the Waffen SS, to support his point.

The SS, or Schutzstaffel, was a Nazi paramilitary group notorious for its central role in the Holocaust and other war crimes. Krah’s comments provoked a strong reaction, leading France’s far-right National Rally (RN) to sever ties with the AfD in the European Parliament. RN leader Marine Le Pen called for a “cordon sanitaire” to distance her party from the AfD, stating the urgency of this separation due to the extremity of Krah’s views.

The relationship between RN and AfD had already been strained following a secret meeting involving AfD members discussing the mass deportations of non-ethnic Germans. Marine Le Pen had previously condemned such ideas.

Facing mounting pressures ahead of the EU elections in June, Krah declared on social media that he would step back from public campaign appearances and resign from the federal executive board to preserve party unity. This decision comes amid various scandals, including the arrest of one of his staffers for alleged espionage for China and an ongoing investigation into Krah over purported payments from Russia and China, which he denies. Despite these controversies, the AfD remains a significant political force, polling second or third nationally and leading in some states set for local elections later this year.

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Hungary opens up to Chinese tech despite protests

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Hungary’s ambition in electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing has surged, with plans to become a significant player globally. Despite ranking third behind China and the US, Hungary aims to surpass the US soon, as articulated by Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto during his visit to Beijing. This push aligns with Hungary’s broader strategy of strengthening economic ties with Eastern nations, particularly China and South Korea.

The influx of Chinese investment is evident, with numerous factories, including those of CATL and BYD, dotting the Hungarian landscape. However, this rapid industrial expansion has sparked environmental concerns and local opposition, particularly regarding water scarcity and potential health hazards. Critics worry that Hungary risks becoming overly reliant on foreign companies, potentially leading to stagnant domestic research and development.

The Hungarian government acknowledges these challenges, emphasizing the importance of not just attracting production but also integrating research efforts. Balazs Orban, from the Prime Minister’s Office, highlights the need to merge foreign investors’ research with Hungarian companies to ensure long-term economic sustainability. Despite the economic benefits of foreign investment, concerns persist regarding labor exploitation and Hungary’s evolving role in the global supply chain.

As Hungary’s industrial landscape transforms, balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability and domestic innovation remains a pressing concern. The government faces the delicate task of harnessing foreign investment while safeguarding Hungary’s long-term interests and preserving its environmental and social fabric.

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Europe risks dying and faces big decisions – Macron

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In a significant speech at Sorbonne University, French President Emmanuel Macron issued a stark warning to Europe, stating that the continent must shed its self-imposed naivety or risk its demise. Macron emphasized the urgent need for Europe to adapt to a rapidly changing global landscape, highlighting challenges such as Russian hostility, diminishing US interest, and Chinese competition that could marginalize the EU.

Macron urged European leaders to make decisive moves toward bolstering defense and the economy, advocating for increased protectionism and the development of an independent defense capability. He stressed the importance of Europe asserting itself in international trade, particularly as major players like China and the US disregard established norms.

Addressing concerns over Russia’s actions, Macron defended his stance of strategic ambiguity regarding potential military involvement in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for Europe to assert its independence from the US and reject a bipolar world order.

Macron also warned against Europe’s internal demoralization, urging a reconnection with the values that distinguish the continent. He highlighted the dangers of online disinformation and advocated for stricter regulations, including imposing a minimum age for social media access.

While Macron’s speech aimed to position France at the forefront of European leadership and boost his party’s electoral prospects, it also underscored concerns about the party’s dependence on Macron’s leadership.

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Germany spying: Far-right party aide held in China spy probe

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Prosecutors in Germany have apprehended an individual suspected of spying for China, who was identified as Jian G, 43, allegedly working as an assistant to AfD MEP Maximilian Krah. Jian G is accused of passing information about the European Parliament to Chinese intelligence and monitoring Chinese opposition figures in Germany. The timing of these allegations, just before the European Parliament elections, is sensitive for the AfD.

Maximilian Krah stated that he learned of his aide’s arrest through the media and emphasized that if the accusations were proven, the employment would be terminated immediately. The AfD expressed concern over the reports and awaited further investigations.

German officials, including Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and Justice Minister Marco Buschmann, deemed the allegations gravely serious, emphasizing the necessity of severe consequences if proven true.

China’s foreign affairs ministry dismissed the arrest as unfounded speculation aimed at defaming China. Prosecutors indicated that Jian G was scheduled to appear before an investigating judge soon.

Meanwhile, another separate incident involved the arrest of two men and a woman suspected of spying for China, unrelated to Jian G’s case. This group allegedly obtained military technology information in Germany for China.

These developments occurred shortly after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s recent visit to Beijing, where discussions with President Xi Jinping touched upon various issues, including the conflict in Ukraine.

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European flying car technology sold to China

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The technology behind a flying car, initially developed and successfully tested in Europe, has been acquired by a Chinese company. The AirCar, which ran on a BMW engine and conventional fuel, completed a 35-minute flight between two Slovakian airports in 2021, utilizing runways for takeoff and landing. Its transformation from car to aircraft took just over two minutes.

The Chinese firm, Hebei Jianxin Flying Car Technology Company, based in Cangzhou, has secured exclusive rights to produce and operate AirCar vehicles within a specific region of China. They have established their airport and flight school following a previous acquisition from a Slovak aircraft manufacturer.

China, having been at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution, is now actively pursuing flying transport solutions. Recent developments include a test flight of a passenger-carrying drone by Autoflight between Shenzhen and Zhuhai, completing a three-hour car journey in just 20 minutes. Additionally, eHang, a Chinese firm, received a safety certificate for its electric flying taxi in 2023.

Unlike vertical take-off and landing passenger aircraft, AirCar requires a runway for operation. While the exact sale price of the technology remains undisclosed, AirCar obtained a certificate of airworthiness from the Slovak Transport Authority in 2022 and garnered attention after being featured in a video by YouTuber MrBeast.

Despite the advancements, challenges remain in terms of infrastructure, regulation, and public acceptance. Aviation consultant Steve Wright notes that global efforts to regulate the sector are underway, with China potentially seeing an opportunity to lead in this domain.

The sale of AirCar from Slovakia to China raises questions about China’s potential dominance in the flying car market, similar to its leadership in electric cars. Wright suggests that while prototypes like AirCar are exciting, the reality of flying cars may involve mundane aspects like queues and baggage checks.

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Kim Jong Un takes ride in luxury Russian limo given to him by Putin

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently enjoyed his inaugural ride in a luxury car gifted by Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking a symbolic moment in the strengthening relationship between Pyongyang and Moscow. This gesture underscores the deepening ties since their summit in September, as Kim’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, highlighted the significance of the occasion as evidence of the robust DPRK-Russia friendship. The vehicle, an Aurus Senat limousine, arrived in Pyongyang in February after Putin’s invitation to Kim during their meeting.

Aurus, touted as Russia’s premier luxury car brand, has been a staple in the motorcades of top Russian officials since Putin’s inauguration in 2018. Notably, Kim Jong Un, known for his collection of foreign luxury cars, has previously utilized vehicles like the Maybach limousine during his travels, including his visit to Russia. However, the gift of the Aurus adds another dimension to his collection.

Despite the diplomatic exchange, concerns have been raised, particularly regarding potential violations of UN sanctions. The Ministry of Unification in South Korea condemned North Korea’s public display of the gift, stressing Russia’s responsibility as a UN Security Council member. Additionally, there are concerns about the close ties between North Korea and Russia amid the latter’s conflict with Ukraine and suspicions of military cooperation between the two nations.

Kim’s use of the luxury vehicle was coupled with overseeing military drills, emphasizing his country’s military capabilities. Furthermore, his daughter accompanied him during this event, indicating a potential succession plan within the leadership.

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Vladimir Putin feted at Xi Jinping’s global Belt and Road summit

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At a global summit in Beijing, Russian leader Vladimir Putin received special treatment, alongside China’s President Xi Jinping, as the two countries solidified their alliance amid global geopolitical tensions. The event commemorated a decade of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Despite diplomatic scrutiny and an international arrest warrant issued against him, Putin’s close relationship with Xi was evident throughout the summit. The two leaders were prominent during the opening ceremony and engaged in an extended bilateral meeting.

The summit highlighted China and Russia’s mutual opposition to the Western world order, advocating for a multipolar global system. China, positioning the BRI as a means to establish a more equitable world order, emphasized principles of cooperation, inclusivity, and sustainable development.

While the BRI has stimulated development, it has also faced criticism for fostering debt dependency and environmental degradation. The summit saw participation from various countries, particularly from Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America, including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and representatives from the Afghan Taliban government.

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