RENE: According to Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, speaking to Parliament on Wednesday( Sept.6 ), a strategic alliance between China and Italy would be more beneficial than an agreement like the Belt and Road Initiative.
The Belt and Road, a world trade and infrastructure initiative modeled after the concept of the old Silk Road that had connected royal China and the West millennia earlier, welcomed Italy as the first significant Western country to join China in 2019.
Tajani’s remarks, made following his trip to Beijing earlier this month, provide a hint as to how Italy may attempt to resolve the contentious political issue of withdrawing from the agreement.
Italy has expressed skepticism about its rank and has until December to fully renounce a contract that expires in March of next year. If not, it will be extended by an additional five times.
According to Tajani,” A strategic relationship involves all areas, making it more significant than solitary bilateral agreements like the Silk Road ( Belt and Road ), which have so far been insufficient in terms of exports and purchase.”
More than 100 various nations have signed individual contracts with China to work together on BRI infrastructure and building initiatives since it was launched by President Xi Jinping in 2013.
Tajani, according to an Italian established with knowledge of the situation, stressed the need to maintain close relations with Beijing while hinting that Italy might withdraw from the BRI agreement during his visit to China.
The visit was also intended to avoid revenge for a potential exit from the BRI and to show great respect for the current Chinese management, which is dealing with difficult financial problems.
Tajani reiterated on Wednesday that the Roman government may speak with parliament before deciding on a position on the matter.
Wang Yi, China’s foreign secretary, stated that despite European skepticism, cooperation with Italy had been successful after meeting Tajani this week in Beijing.