The Italian government has decided to extradite a Chinese citizen wanted by the United States on charges of cyberattacks. This was reported by Bloomberg, according to UNN.
Details
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's cabinet made the decision after an Italian court ruled earlier this month that Xu Jiawei could be extradited to the US.
The US Department of Justice suspects him of stealing COVID-19 research and conducting hacking attacks, alleging that he acted at the direction of the Chinese government. He was detained in Italy in 2025 at Washington's request.
Xu's lawyer in Milan stated that he has not yet received the official government extradition decree and noted that his client is currently being held in a prison near Pavia.
According to Italian media reports, Xu maintains his innocence.
The extradition could help reduce tensions between the US and Italy. Relations between Meloni and President Donald Trump have recently become strained due to differing positions on the war with Iran and other political disagreements.
Since coming to power in late 2022, Meloni has pursued a complex balancing act between Beijing and Washington, particularly regarding public procurement and strategic Italian companies.