An historical turning point: Italy's relations with China before and after 8 September 1943

Both for Italy and China, 1943 was undoubtedly a crucial year. In China, the situation was rather complex, especially since the Nanjing Regime, founded by Wang Jingwei with Japan's decisive aid, had declared war on the USA and the British Empire early that year. After 8 September 1943, Japanese troops seized the Italian Concession in Tianjin. The Italians who renewed their trust in Mussolini kept on operating in the new political framework; the others experienced the humiliation of being imprisoned. Those who had aligned themselves with Badoglio were usually sent to concentration camps. This paper will offer new insights on a topic which is largely neglected. It first discusses selected aspects and trends characterizing the relationship between China and Italy. The second part is dedicated to the figure of Francesco Maria Taliani (1887–1968), the then Italian Ambassador to China. Finally, the third part focuses on the story of some of the Italians who were taken prisoner by the Japanese.