Italy minister: joining China's Belt and Road was 'atrocious' decision

[emily]

Italy minister: joining China's Belt and Road was 'atrocious' decision

Italy made an "improvised and atrocious" decision when it joined China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) four years ago as it did little to boost exports, Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said in an interview published on Sunday.

Italy signed up to the BRI under a previous government, becoming the only major Western country to have taken such a step. Crosetto is part of an administration that is considering how to break free of the agreement.

The BRI scheme envisions rebuilding the old Silk Road to connect China with Asia, Europe and beyond with large infrastructure spending. Critics see it as a tool for China to spread its geopolitical and economic influence.

Source: Reuters #Jul30

https://www.reuters.com/world/joining-c ... 023-07-30/

#Italy #China #Belt #Road