What Marco Polo and Matteo Ricci can teach China and Italy today

It all began more than 700 years ago when Italian merchant Marco Polo, embarked on his legendary journey to China. His tales of Chinese urban life, flourishing commerce, convenient transport systems and sophisticated social structures captivated the European imagination and inspired explorers like Christopher Columbus. Last month, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stepped onto Chinese soil, aiming to rejuvenate relations. The visit, coming after Italy’s withdrawal from China’s Belt and Road Initiative, marked a significant re-evaluation of relations and economic cooperation. As Meloni and President Xi Jinping revisited the deep historical ties between China and Italy in their conversations, it became clear that cultural exchanges are not relics but a foundation for cooperation. Marco Polo’s legacy has lasted centuries. Italian missionary Matteo Ricci and painter Giuseppe Castiglione, both Jesuits, are also celebrated for their contributions to Sino-Italian relations. Arriving in China in the 16th century, Ricci recognised that evangelising in a country with such profound cultural foundations required an adaptive strategy. He adopted Confucian scholarly robes and studied Chinese literature and philosophy. He earned the admiration of literati such as Xu Guangqi and Li Zhi, and introduced European geometry, astronomy and mechanical clocks to China. His approach showed that genuine engagement and mutual respect can foster deep, lasting connections between cultures. In the 18th century, Castiglione was drafted into the Qing imperial court as a painter and ended up serving under three emperors: Kangxi, Yongzheng and Qianlong. There, he studied Chinese ink painting, collaborated with Chinese artists and blended traditional Chinese aesthetics with Italian chiaroscuro techniques. These historical exchanges laid a rich cultural foundation and offer important lessons for modern diplomacy. During Meloni’s visit, the World Art Museum in Beijing held an exhibition on Marco Polo and the Silk Road, showcasing 135 artefacts including manuscripts, paintings, sculpture, porcelain objects, textiles and glassware from Italian and Chinese institutions. It highlighted the enduring friendship between the two nations, underscoring how exchanges in commerce, art and culture have enriched both societies. Diplomats could take inspiration from the trajectories of Marco Polo, Ricci and Castiglione in building mutual understanding across cultures. This approach could help countries navigate complex issues such as trade disputes and different political systems. Meloni’s visit was not just a balancing act, but also a strategic move. Italy is not risking its relationships with Western allies, but rather, looks to be positioning itself as a bridge between the East and the West. This approach could garner greater diplomatic leverage and economic opportunities for Italy and more broadly, the European Union. For instance, Italy’s support of EU tariffs of up to 37.6 per cent on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) seemingly contradicts its efforts to boost economic cooperation with China. But what it reflects is the delicate balance EU nations must strike between protecting domestic industries and fostering trade relationships. And this is in stark contrast to the US’ more confrontational stance in quadrupling Chinese EV tariffs to 100 per cent. Italy and China have expressed differing views but the willingness to engage in constructive dialogue signals a commitment to finding common ground. Italy is pushing for “fairer” trade relations, aiming to address a trade deficit that reached €40 billion (US$43.68 billion) last year. This economic imbalance is a major concern, but it also presents an opportunity for both nations to negotiate terms that benefit their industries. Meloni’s visit to China resulted in a three-year action plan. When he met Meloni, Chinese Premier Li Qiang specifically called for cooperation in sectors such as ship building, aerospace, new energy, and artificial intelligence (AI). Italy’s withdrawal last year from China’s Belt and Road Initiative might have looked like a setback in bilateral ties but it has also opened the door to a more balanced and mutually beneficial relationship. The focus on collaboration between small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as in industries such as EVs and AI indicates a pragmatism to Sino-Italian relations. Both nations seem to recognise that cooperation and competition can coexist in their relationship. China’s collaboration with Europe on AI governance, for instance, indicates recognition of a broader necessity to establish trust and an inclusive mindset. This is not a sign of European nations being pulled into China’s orbit but rather, a recognition of the benefits that cooperation can bring. The narrative that the EU and China should decouple, or cannot cooperate, is increasingly being challenged. The power of culture and the arts in fostering relations is seen in recent exhibitions as China and Italy jointly commemorate the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo’s death. The Doge’s Palace in Venice, for instance, is exhibiting “The Worlds of Marco Polo”, a showcase of more than 300 works, including paintings, historical artefacts and literary contributions. In highlighting the significance of cultural openness and curiosity, the exhibition serves as a reminder of how cultural and people-to-people exchanges can bridge gaps. Even as nations navigate complex economic and political relationships, shared cultural experiences can create lasting bonds and open new avenues for cooperation. International relations do not have to be reduced to battles over military and economic power. Diplomacy can be multifaceted, encompassing art, science, philosophy and human connections. By leveraging rich cultural ties and focusing on mutually beneficial economic cooperation, countries could forge relationships that not only serve their national interests but also contribute to global stability, prosperity and sustainability. Gerui Wang is a lecturer at Stanford University

What Marco Polo and Matteo Ricci can teach China and Italy today

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;}Italy’s exit from China’s Belt and Road Initiative might seem to be a setback but it has opened the door to a more balanced relationship

Italy’s exit from China’s Belt and Road Initiative might seem to be a setback but it has opened the door to a more balanced relationship