Premier Giuseppe Conte said Friday
the government's mooted project with China is an "important one
of infrastructural connectivity which proposes great willingness
on the part of China to cultivate an exchange. With all due
caution, I think it can be an opportunity for our country. The
upcoming meeting in Italy with the Chinese president will be an
occasion to sign the framework accord. It doesn't mean that we
will be bound the day after, but we will be able to enter and
dialogue".
Conte was referring to Italy possibly signing up for the Belt
and Road Initiative, the 'new Silk Road', on which talks are at
an advanced stage.
If the deal goes through, Conte said he could rule out
reprisals by US ratings agencies.
China hopes Italy will go ahead and join its Belt and Road
Initiative despite US pressure not to, Chinese Foreign Minister
Wang Yi said earlier Friday.
"Historically, Italy was a stop on the Silk Road," said Wang.
"We welcome Italy and other European countries that are
taking an active part in the Belt and Road Initiative.
"Italy is an independent country and we trust you will stick
to the decision taken by you in an independent way," Wang said
answering a question on outside pressure, especially from the
US, on Rome joining the new Silk Road, where negotiations with
Beijing are in their final stages.
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