China says no to undermining the BRI as Italy drops out

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
7 Dec 2023 14:19

Wang Wenbin responds to Italy's withdrawal from the Belt and Road Initiative, saying it sabotages collective efforts within the program.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin speaks during a regular press conference in Beijing, Tuesday, May 9, 2023 (AP)

Wang Wenbin, the spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, made a statement condemning the derogation and sabotage of collaborative efforts within the Belt and Road Initiative, in response to Italy's decision to withdraw from the project.

The announcement of Italy's exit was reported by the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera on Wednesday, with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expressing dissatisfaction with the outcomes of Italy's involvement in the initiative.

Wang emphasized China's firm stance against "denigrating and undermining the cooperation in jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative" and stated that China "opposes bloc confrontation and artificially creating divisions." Wang highlighted the significance of the initiative, which has brought together over 150 nations in the past decade, making it the largest platform for international cooperation in the contemporary world.

Italy formally joined the Belt and Road Initiative in March 2019 by signing a memorandum with China, marking its status as the first and only major EU country to participate in the program. However, this move faced criticism from both Brussels and Washington, warning against Chinese access to technologies and infrastructure in the West

In response, then-Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte clarified that the agreement was not an international treaty but a non-binding framework. He argued that Italy's participation was crucial for enhancing national exports to China and asserted that it aligned with the EU strategy without posing a threat to national interests.

Since current PM Gerogina Meloni took office last year, she has expressed the intention to withdraw from the BRI, claiming it does not serve Italy's interests.

Despite its withdrawal, Italy affirmed its intentions to maintain positive relations with China, saying G7 nations that are not part of the BRI remain close to China regardless.