China a Colossus of Innovation Says Salvini After Visit
China: China is a colossus of innovation, Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini said after a three-day visit to the Asian giant on Friday. “China is an innovation giant that cannot be ignored: the commitment is to try to create new spaces and jobs for Italian companies,” focusing on countries, including Japan, which Salvini recently visited, that are growing and investing in ports, airports, and railways. Salvini made these remarks on the final day of his official mission to China after visiting the port of Shanghai Yangshan, the world leader in container traffic with 49.16 million units handled and a model of automation.
According to Ansa News Agency, Yangshan is also an example of the Chinese capacity for large-scale planning and development: the port extends across nearly 4,000 square kilometers, including river and deep-water facilities dedicated to docking large-scale vessels. Salvini outlined Italy’s “bridge role” with China in response to an international situation marked by tariffs and conflict.
With the delegation from BYD, the global leader in electric vehicles with significant investments in Hungary and Turkey, Salvini reiterated Italy’s position on technological neutrality, criticizing Brussels for forcing time and markets at the expense of consumers amid immediate green deals, electric vehicles, fines, and regulations. Looking at growing countries like China, Salvini emphasized Italy’s potential in innovation, autonomous driving, road safety, and design. He criticized European bureaucracy for holding back market innovation while the US and China innovate and invade markets.
The Deputy Prime Minister added that he plans to return to China “within months,” with a particular interest in visiting Shenzhen, the technological heart of the People’s Republic of Guangdong. Salvini described Shenzhen as being at the forefront of innovation, “a city where the future is both reality and present.” He extended an invitation to Liu Wei, China’s Minister of Transport, to the inauguration of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
Salvini stressed the necessity of Italian companies being present in China, noting existing Italian players like Leonardo and Eni. He expressed a desire not to leave the Chinese market to others. During meetings, including one with China Railway President Guo Zhuxue, Salvini recorded words of admiration for the Messina Strait Bridge project, describing it as a unique engineering challenge in the world, which makes him proud as an Italian. He noted that while China has single-span bridges of a kilometer at most, the Messina Strait Bridge spans 3.3 km, an achievement he wants to share with Chinese and Japanese counterparts at its opening.
In general, Salvini highlighted a willingness to cooperate with Beijing, emphasizing that Italy is being extremely cautious and that partnerships may exist in non-strategic sectors. However, this caution does not apply to the Bridge, which is managed by an Italian, Japanese, Spanish, Danish, and American consortium.