Beijing said Wednesday that it
is normal that Italy's potential involvement in its Belt and
Road Initiative has sparked debate.
The initiative is a massive infrastructure plan that seeks to
create a sort of modern-day Silk Road to better connect China
with Europe and Africa.
Premier Giuseppe Conte is set to sign a memorandum of
understanding related to the project when Chinese President Xi
Jinping visits Italy this week as part of a trip that will also
take in Monaco and France.
The move has provoked concern from some quarters, including
the United States.
"It is inevitable that some misunderstandings and doubts can
arise in the process of developing the new Silk Road," said Vice
Foreign Minister Wang Chao.
"But the deeds will speak louder than words. An agreement
between China and Italy would be beneficial for the economic
development of both".
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