the ROME – Dear Xi, you’re close. The president of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella , writing to the chinese president, Xi Jinping , thanking him for his “cooperation and sensitivity” in facilitating the repatriation of the italians, and by offering “solidarity and help”. The words that come after two days when the Italian approach to the management of the emergency coronavirus has created many tensions with Beijing, and some disappointment, even within the government.
on Friday, the premier Count announced the surprise blocking of flights to and from China – the one country in Europe – and the chinese embassy in Italy responded with irritation, pointing out how even the world health Organization considers the suspension a useful measure to contain the outbreak. Less than 24 hours after the Palazzo Chigi has made a partial turn back, unlock the permissions for cargo carrying goods: material “not contaminabile nor contaminated,” explained the commissioner for the management of the emergency Angel Borrelli , and therefore “subject to health checks for the crews it seems to be necessary to hold firm goods”.
Also for the civilians, however, the block could serve just as many passengers from China arriving by plane landing in other european countries. This consideration, together with the need to maintain good political and commercial relations with Beijing, which has invested a lot, had pushed the minister of Foreign affairs, Luigi Di Maio at a more cautious attitude. On Friday night, the minister was informed only the things that are made of the decision taken by Palazzo Chigi, which was not preceded by tables expanded to other ministries beyond that of Health. Also yesterday, commenting on the reopening of the traffic for the cargo flights, the foreign ministry has wished to clarify that it was the result of a team work, “the outcome of the meeting of the task force, which met today at the ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with the operating committee of civil Protection”.
Then came the communication of the Quirinal, which calls for a return to normal relations between the two countries “promptly” and “in every respect”.
the management of coronavirus is politically delicate, it also tells the reaction of Taiwan. The minister of Foreign affairs, Joseph Wu has criticized Italy’s decision to block the flights to and from the island, which claims its autonomy and that China considers part of its territory. “The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Taiwan is higher than in most of the affected countries, but in addition to China, no other country has had flights banned from Italy”.
“The Republic will fight always in defense of the freedom of information, to its readers and to all those who have at heart the principles of democracy and civil coexistence”
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