Italy's China Deal Unlikely to be Renewed, Official Says.

Italy is unlikely to renew its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) deal with China, which expires in March 2024, due to lack of economic development and concerns over Chinese control of sensitive technologies and vital infrastructure. However, a formal decision will not be made ahead of this month's G7 summit in Japan, as the topic is highly sensitive. Italian exports to China have seen little benefit, while Chinese exports to Italy have risen significantly. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's office declined to comment, but officials said Rome did not want to cause a diplomatic rupture with China.