Italian Opposition to China's Belt and Road Initiative Grows, Says Foreign Minister

Italy's foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, revealed that many Italian political parties are against Rome's participation in China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), ahead of a crucial decision on whether to withdraw from the project. Italy's previous agreement to join the BRI had raised concerns about undermining Europe's ability to counter Beijing's influence. With a new government in place, Italy is reconsidering its ties with China and will announce its decision in the coming months. Tajani emphasized the importance of a level playing field and stated that many parties in the Italian Parliament are against continuing in the BRI.