Italy's Defense Minister Slams Decision to Join China's Belt and Road Initiative

Italy's defense minister, Guido Crosetto, criticized his country's decision to join China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), calling it "wicked" and stating that it had not benefited Italy's exports. The BRI, a global infrastructure investment program, has been seen by critics as a way for China to expand its influence. Italy became the only major Western country and the only G7 member to join the BRI in 2019. Crosetto now questions how Italy can withdraw from the initiative without damaging relations with Beijing, describing China as both a competitor and a partner.