Italy's Defense Minister Calls for Exiting China's Belt and Road Initiative

Italy's Defense Minister, Guido Crosetto, has confirmed that Italy intends to leave China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) while maintaining a good relationship with Beijing. Italy's decision to join the BRI in 2019 did not improve its trade deficit with China, as Chinese exports to Italy increased significantly while Italy's exports to China remained relatively stagnant. Meanwhile, French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire expressed France's desire for better access to the Chinese market and a more balanced trade relationship.