In September, an Italian aircraft carrier joined American and Australian air and naval forces for exercises in the South China Sea, a strategically important region due to rising tensions with China.

Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said on Monday the EU investigation into Chinese electric vehicles was seriously affecting Chinese car companies' confidence in investing in Italy.

MILAN: Italy backs tariffs proposed by the European Commission on Chinese exports of electric vehicles (EVs), says Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.

Italy supports the European Commission's proposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles to protect the competitiveness of European companies. Discussions include trade equality and geopolitical issues,

ROME (Reuters) -Italy backs tariffs proposed by the European Commission on Chinese exports of electric vehicles (EVs), Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said in an interview published on Monday before he met China's commerce minister in Rome.

Beijing has warned Italy of potential investment cuts in response to its support for the EU investigation into Chinese electric vehicles.