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Italy

The latest breaking news and stories on Italy, a country in southern Europe known as a parliamentary republic, and the world’s eighth largest economy. Also covering Italy’s relationship with China and Europe, plus commentary and updates on Italy’s economy, politics, society and social issues.

Capital

Rome

Head of State

President Sergio Mattarella

Head of Government

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni

The flags of the European Union and China in Berlin. Photo: Photothek via Getty Images

China-EU relations

Developing | China adds 14 EU entities to export control list, hitting back at sanctions

Ministry of Commerce action follows a new round of EU sanctions on Russia that affected 14 firms from mainland China and Hong Kong.

2 hours ago

Extreme weather

Heatwave-fuelled wildfires rage in southern France, Italy and Spain

23 Jul 2026 - 11:36AM

Volleyball

Italy and Brazil sweep into last 4 of Women’s Volleyball Nations League Finals

23 Jul 2026 - 12:21AM

Defence

Canada becomes first observer to British-Italian-Japanese GCAP fighter project

Ottawa gains front-row insight into the next-gen combat jet as it seeks to diversify ties amid Washington tensions.

22 Jul 2026 - 6:00PMvideocam

Defence ministers (fromleft) David McGuinty (Canada), Wes Streeting (Britain), Guido Crosetto (Italy) and Shinjiro Koizumi (Japan) discuss the Global Combat Air Programme at Wellington Barracks in London on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters

SCMP Highlights

Xiaomi’s focus on new SUVs, BYD’s 15,000km-driving range cars: 7 EV reads

From CATL shares forecast to grow 50 per cent to the effects of China’s EV tax break ending, here are seven EV stories you may have missed.

22 Jul 2026 - 4:03PM

New Openings

Hong Kong’s hottest new openings, from homestyle Italian at Ninetta to meat-centric Marrow

Discover the city’s latest dining delights: from Santa Nata’s authentic Portuguese egg tarts and the finest Wagyu at Tanaka, to cosy trattoria Ninetta and meaty pop-up Marrow.

22 Jul 2026 - 8:00AM

Art

Wallace Chan’s ‘Vessels of Other Worlds’ exhibition arrives in Shanghai

The 70-year-old artist, who crafted what was once the world’s most expensive diamond necklace for Chow Tai Fook, is presenting titanium titans in his latest exhibition.

20 Jul 2026 - 2:17PM

The eight-metre Growth sculpture by Hong Kong-based artist Wallace Chan, on display at a preview at the Long Museum in Shanghai. Photo: Handout

Style Edit

Style Edit: Bulgari’s Eclettica blends Roman elegance with artistic expression

The Italian house’s high jewellery collection fuses art, architecture and Roman heritage into bold and expressive designs.

20 Jul 2026 - 10:00AM

Diplomacy

Trump envoy met with protests in Venice as he arrives on superyacht

US Ambassador Tilman Fertitta, a billionaire businessman, arrived amid strained ties between the president and Italy’s PM Giorgia Meloni.

18 Jul 2026 - 5:26AM

Fashion

Italian police raid luxury brands over exploitation of Chinese workers

Earlier operations have revealed numerous cases of poor work conditions in the supply chains for the country’s leading fashion houses.

17 Jul 2026 - 5:08AM

Crime

Ex-Italian highway chief jailed for 12 years over Genoa bridge disaster

Giovanni Castellucci was convicted of vehicle homicide and negligence after a bridge in Genoa collapsed in 2018, killing 43 people.

16 Jul 2026 - 9:47PM

Vehicles are abandoned on the Morandi motorway bridge after a section collapsed in the north-western Italian city of Genoa in August 2018. Photo: AFP

Food and Drinks

How 3 Hong Kong chefs reimagine classic beef dishes

The culinary minds behind Carna, Moo-Lah and Duddell’s share how they bring their unique childhood traditions to the table.

16 Jul 2026 - 3:11PM

South China Sea

Opinion | Path to South China Sea stability doesn’t run through US, UK or the EU

The statement by 14 countries is a geopolitical exercise, amplifying the flawed 2016 Hague arbitral ruling to try to drive a wedge between China and its neighbours.

16 Jul 2026 - 10:55AMvideocam

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Style Edit

Style Edit: The legacy behind Buccellati’s handcrafted jewellery – interview

The Swiss executive tells Style about the maison’s new Venetian-inspired Serenissima collection and its devotion to artisanal excellence.

16 Jul 2026 - 10:37AM

Buccellati’s latest high jewellery collection, Serenissima. Photo: Handout

E-commerce

Shein executive chairman to step down as IPO nears completion, sources say

The departure of Chinese-American billionaire Donald Tang raises the question of whether founder Sky Xu will now step into the spotlight.

14 Jul 2026 - 2:32AMvideocam

Donald Tang, executive chairman of Shein, is to step down from his role, it was reported on Monday. Photo: Reuters

Ukraine war

Ukraine allies meet in Paris to boost air defence, pressure Russia to end war

The 37-member Coalition of the Willing aims to develop ‘purely defensive’ anti-ballistic capabilities in Europe.

14 Jul 2026 - 3:40AMvideocam

Wimbledon

Sinner beats Zverev to retain Wimbledon title after marathon battle

The win placed Italy’s Sinner in rare company as the 10th man in ‌the professional era to successfully defend the title.

13 Jul 2026 - 3:39AM

My Take

My Take | How China’s rare missile test sparked hysterical hypocrisy

Western pundits were quick to denounce Beijing. But far more frequent US launches rate barely a mention.

13 Jul 2026 - 9:01AM

A long-range ballistic missile bursts out of the sea during a test launched from a Chinese nuclear-powered submarine in the South Pacific on July 6, 2026. Photo: Xinhua via AP

Electric & new energy vehicles

BYD showcases charging technology in 15,000km journey from Rome to Hong Kong

Chinese electric vehicle maker says journey was inspired by travels of Marco Polo more than 750 years ago.

11 Jul 2026 - 5:00PM

Belt and Road Initiative

Exclusive | Hong Kong and Shenzhen perfect end points for modern Silk Road: top economist

Economist Jeffrey Sachs, who is retracing Marco Polo’s journey to China, described the cities as the ‘world’s greatest innovation cluster’.

10 Jul 2026 - 10:13PM

United States

USDA lowers reported beef export sales by 90% amid growing doubts over data

The original report was widely dismissed as inaccurate, amid concerns over the agency’s big staff cuts under the Trump administration.

10 Jul 2026 - 4:45AM

Cattle graze on a ranch in Lufkin, Texas, in April 2023. Photo: AP

Food and Drinks

Why Hong Kong’s Ninetta serves homely Italian fare. Just like how nonna made it

Chef Marco Xodo’s Ninetta brings home-style Italian dining to Hong Kong, blending fine dining quality with casual, family-style portions.

8 Jul 2026 - 3:15PM

Gnocchetti with Sicilian red prawns at Ninetta, a new restaurant in Central, Hong Kong, opened by three Italian hospitality veterans. Photo: May Tse

Style Edit

Style Edit: Pomellato’s Stile Libero collection flaunts Milanese elegance

The Italian brand’s latest high jewellery collection celebrates Milan’s goldsmithing artistry through tactile designs and a rainbow of coloured gems.

8 Jul 2026 - 10:00AM

United States

Trump still ‘disappointed’ with Nato, says US should control Greenland at summit

US president says he has ‘very good relationship’ with ‘loyal’ Turkey and is weighing up selling F-35 fighter jets to them.

8 Jul 2026 - 4:01AMvideocam

US-EU relations

US at 250: has Europe learned to survive Trump’s America?

The transatlantic alliance has become unpredictable and even hostile, and many are wondering how much road it has left to run.

7 Jul 2026 - 12:35AMvideocam

Donald Trump has intensified his push to take over the Danish territory of Greenland. Photo: Xinhua

Extreme weather

‘Help us’: wildfires ravage France, Spain, Portugal forests as mercury soars

The early fires have already devastated an area twice as big as Manhattan across the three nations. Blazes have also hit Greece.

5 Jul 2026 - 7:29PMvideocam

People watch as a firefighting plane tries to battle a wildfire by a motorway near Beziers, France, on Friday. Photo: Reuters

European Union

Italian rice crops suffer in drought, worst European heatwave ever

Italian rice farmers are despondent over the lack of spring rain, while rivers from the Alps to the Adriatic Sea are in ‘critical situation’ because of drought.

4 Jul 2026 - 8:11PM

Catholic Church

Pope visits Africa-Europe crossing as anti-migrant policies rise in US, EU

The Catholic Church’s first US pope has clashed with the administration of President Donald Trump over its treatment of migrants.

4 Jul 2026 - 5:04PM

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Italy

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}Developing | China adds 14 EU entities to export control list, hitting back at sanctions

Ministry of Commerce action follows a new round of EU sanctions on Russia that affected 14 firms from mainland China and Hong Kong.

Heatwave-fuelled wildfires rage in southern France, Italy and Spain

Italy and Brazil sweep into last 4 of Women’s Volleyball Nations League Finals

Canada becomes first observer to British-Italian-Japanese GCAP fighter project

Ottawa gains front-row insight into the next-gen combat jet as it seeks to diversify ties amid Washington tensions.

Xiaomi’s focus on new SUVs, BYD’s 15,000km-driving range cars: 7 EV reads

From CATL shares forecast to grow 50 per cent to the effects of China’s EV tax break ending, here are seven EV stories you may have missed.

Hong Kong’s hottest new openings, from homestyle Italian at Ninetta to meat-centric Marrow

Discover the city’s latest dining delights: from Santa Nata’s authentic Portuguese egg tarts and the finest Wagyu at Tanaka, to cosy trattoria Ninetta and meaty pop-up Marrow.

Wallace Chan’s ‘Vessels of Other Worlds’ exhibition arrives in Shanghai

The 70-year-old artist, who crafted what was once the world’s most expensive diamond necklace for Chow Tai Fook, is presenting titanium titans in his latest exhibition.

Style Edit: Bulgari’s Eclettica blends Roman elegance with artistic expression

The Italian house’s high jewellery collection fuses art, architecture and Roman heritage into bold and expressive designs.

Trump envoy met with protests in Venice as he arrives on superyacht

US Ambassador Tilman Fertitta, a billionaire businessman, arrived amid strained ties between the president and Italy’s PM Giorgia Meloni.

Italian police raid luxury brands over exploitation of Chinese workers

Earlier operations have revealed numerous cases of poor work conditions in the supply chains for the country’s leading fashion houses.

Ex-Italian highway chief jailed for 12 years over Genoa bridge disaster

Giovanni Castellucci was convicted of vehicle homicide and negligence after a bridge in Genoa collapsed in 2018, killing 43 people.

How 3 Hong Kong chefs reimagine classic beef dishes

The culinary minds behind Carna, Moo-Lah and Duddell’s share how they bring their unique childhood traditions to the table.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | Path to South China Sea stability doesn’t run through US, UK or the EU

The statement by 14 countries is a geopolitical exercise, amplifying the flawed 2016 Hague arbitral ruling to try to drive a wedge between China and its neighbours.

Style Edit: The legacy behind Buccellati’s handcrafted jewellery – interview

The Swiss executive tells Style about the maison’s new Venetian-inspired Serenissima collection and its devotion to artisanal excellence.

Shein executive chairman to step down as IPO nears completion, sources say

The departure of Chinese-American billionaire Donald Tang raises the question of whether founder Sky Xu will now step into the spotlight.

Ukraine allies meet in Paris to boost air defence, pressure Russia to end war

The 37-member Coalition of the Willing aims to develop ‘purely defensive’ anti-ballistic capabilities in Europe.

Sinner beats Zverev to retain Wimbledon title after marathon battle

The win placed Italy’s Sinner in rare company as the 10th man in ‌the professional era to successfully defend the title.

My Take | How China’s rare missile test sparked hysterical hypocrisy

Western pundits were quick to denounce Beijing. But far more frequent US launches rate barely a mention.

BYD showcases charging technology in 15,000km journey from Rome to Hong Kong

Chinese electric vehicle maker says journey was inspired by travels of Marco Polo more than 750 years ago.

Exclusive | Hong Kong and Shenzhen perfect end points for modern Silk Road: top economist

Economist Jeffrey Sachs, who is retracing Marco Polo’s journey to China, described the cities as the ‘world’s greatest innovation cluster’.

USDA lowers reported beef export sales by 90% amid growing doubts over data

The original report was widely dismissed as inaccurate, amid concerns over the agency’s big staff cuts under the Trump administration.

Why Hong Kong’s Ninetta serves homely Italian fare. Just like how nonna made it

Chef Marco Xodo’s Ninetta brings home-style Italian dining to Hong Kong, blending fine dining quality with casual, family-style portions.

Style Edit: Pomellato’s Stile Libero collection flaunts Milanese elegance

The Italian brand’s latest high jewellery collection celebrates Milan’s goldsmithing artistry through tactile designs and a rainbow of coloured gems.

Trump still ‘disappointed’ with Nato, says US should control Greenland at summit

US president says he has ‘very good relationship’ with ‘loyal’ Turkey and is weighing up selling F-35 fighter jets to them.

US at 250: has Europe learned to survive Trump’s America?

The transatlantic alliance has become unpredictable and even hostile, and many are wondering how much road it has left to run.

‘Help us’: wildfires ravage France, Spain, Portugal forests as mercury soars

The early fires have already devastated an area twice as big as Manhattan across the three nations. Blazes have also hit Greece.

Italian rice crops suffer in drought, worst European heatwave ever

Italian rice farmers are despondent over the lack of spring rain, while rivers from the Alps to the Adriatic Sea are in ‘critical situation’ because of drought.

Pope visits Africa-Europe crossing as anti-migrant policies rise in US, EU

The Catholic Church’s first US pope has clashed with the administration of President Donald Trump over its treatment of migrants.

Developing | China adds 14 EU entities to export control list, hitting back at sanctions

Opinion | Path to South China Sea stability doesn’t run through US, UK or the EU