The United States has asked Italy to cancel contracts with the Chinese security equipment supplier Nuctech, citing risks to national security, but Italian officials refuse.

The United States has pressured Italy to cancel contracts with Nuctech, a Chinese security equipment supplier, due to concerns related to national security. Washington has sent official diplomatic complaints, requesting the cancellation of tenders worth approximately 20 million euros for scanning devices used by the Italian customs. American authorities fear that the images collected could be accessed by China, endangering the national security of both countries.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is facing difficulties in maintaining trade relations with China while responding to Washington's demands to reduce dependence on Beijing. Italian officials have stated that canceling the tenders is not feasible for legal and diplomatic reasons, but they have promised to consider U.S. concerns in future tenders.