Italy Announces Plan to Withdraw from Belt and Road Initiative, Seeks to Revitalize Partnership with China
ROME – Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni revealed Italy’s intention to withdraw from the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) during a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the G20 summit, according to reports by Italian media on Sunday.
In an effort to mitigate any potential backlash from Beijing, Italy aims to revamp a strategic partnership agreement with China, which was originally signed in 2004 with the aim of fostering economic cooperation.
Italy stands as the only G7 country to have joined the BRI, a global trade and infrastructure plan that draws inspiration from the ancient Silk Road connecting China to the West.
“The prime minister (Meloni) communicated the intention to quit the project to her counterpart,” reported the Corriere della Sera daily, noting that Premier Li made a final attempt to persuade the Italians to reconsider.
Italian politicians have voiced doubts regarding the value of the BRI agreement, initially signed by a previous administration in 2019, and the deal has generated friction with Western allies concerned about the spread of Chinese influence.
The Italians emphasized to the Chinese officials that their decision to withdraw was not influenced by the United States, as reported by various other Italian newspapers.
As Italy assumes the G7 presidency next year, reshaping its relationship with China would help appease its Western allies.
Meloni and Li held discussions at the G20 summit in New Delhi on Saturday, focusing on furthering their bilateral relations, according to a statement released by Meloni’s office.
“The 20th anniversary of Italy and China’s Global Strategic Partnership will take place next year, serving as a guiding light in advancing friendship and cooperation in every area of mutual interest,” the statement added.
(Reporting by Federico Maccioni and Keith Weir; editing by Mark Heinrich)