China's Xi meets Meloni in wake of Italy's Belt and Road exit

TOKYO -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met visiting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Monday, state media said, as she seeks to shore up ties that were strained after her government pulled out of Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative.

The meeting followed Meloni's discussions with Premier Li Qiang on Sunday, in which they agreed to foster "balanced and sustainable relations," according to a statement released by the Italian leader's office. The two countries signed deals on industrial collaboration and food security, among others.