Sino-European collaboration crucial for reshaping order

A reconfigured model of global co-governance is absolutely needed, with China and Europe bearing important responsibilities to work together in upholding a rule-based international order, former Italian prime minister Enrico Letta said in Shanghai on Friday.

The world is undergoing a geopolitical earthquake, with Washington threatening global prosperity and peace, while regional conflicts are compounding risks to growth and stability, he said.

Letta made the remarks in an interview on the sidelines of the Shanghai Forum 2026, themed "The age of reconfiguration: Innovation and global governance".

"Reconfiguration means advancing new cooperation to restore multilateralism and eliminate the law of the jungle," he said. "A rule-based international order is reasonable. The geopolitical logic of 'might makes right' leaves small and weak countries suffering, which is unacceptable."

Letta, now dean of the School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs at IE University in Madrid, said China and Europe should begin by strengthening support for the United Nations.

"Europe and China regard the UN-centered multilateral system as the only solution to problems in trade, economy, new technologies and geopolitics. The two sides should also jointly promote follow-up plans to strengthen the UN's role," he said.

He also called for deeper trade and economic cooperation, including upgrading traditional industries with new technologies.

Regarding turmoil in the Middle East, Letta warned that failure to halt continuing conflicts and restore regional transport routes in a timely manner could push the global economy into recession.

China and Europe must also work together to advance implementation of the Paris Agreement and actively respond to climate change, an issue of growing concern to younger generations but one that the United States has largely ignored, he said.

He emphasized the need to develop renewable energy and new technologies, saying artificial intelligence can help European countries realize energy interconnection, while quantum technology serves as a key driver of future innovation and common prosperity.

He also pointed to a broad scope for mutually beneficial cooperation in areas such as culture, fashion and education. He highlighted the steady growth in two-way student exchanges between Italy and China, saying universities in both countries have built extensive partnerships, alongside close cultural ties between Venice and Shanghai.

At a 2024 conference of Chinese and Italian university presidents in Beijing, Education Minister Huai Jinpeng said China is the largest source of international students in Italy, while the number of Italian students in China consistently ranks among the top five European countries.

Since 2016, Italy has incorporated Chinese language education into its national education system, and universities in both countries have jointly established 45 educational institutions and programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, Huai said.

Letta said China's efforts to popularize education, balance urban and rural resources, and narrow development gaps deserve recognition.

By promoting equal opportunities for young people across regions, the country has set a good example for addressing global inequality, he said.

Returning to the Shanghai Forum after a decade, Letta described the event as an open and inclusive platform, with a strong focus on the influence of emerging technologies.

"The experiences and views about AI and quantum technologies exchanged at the forum ... will guide countries and institutions to formulate development plans in relevant fields," he said.