The Italian Minister of Defence called the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) atrocious in an interview as it did not significantly boost Italy's export. Rather, the BRI is seen as a tool for China to increase its influence on geopolitics and global economy.

"The issue today is: how to walk back [from the BRI] without damaging relations [with Beijing]. Because it is true that China is a competitor, but it is also a partner," the defence minister added.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Maloni said they will come out with an answer in Dec after meeting the US President Joe Biden at the White House last Thursday.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-31/italy-china-belt-and-road-initiative/102667408

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