"The 'Silk Road' is a successful
initiative and the world's biggest platform for cooperation
between countries," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang
Wenbin on Thursday in response to a question from ANSA in the
first official comment following Italy's decision to withdraw
from the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
"China opposes the denigration and sabotage of the initiative,"
as well as the "confrontation between blocs," added Wang,
recalling the 150 countries "including Italy" that participated
in the third BRI Forum in mid-October.
Italy formally exited the massive globe-spanning infrastructure
scheme aiming to build a modern-day 'Silk Road' with a letter
delivered to Beijing a few days ago, sources said on Wednesday.
The moves came after Italian Foreign Ministry Secretary General
Riccardo Guariglia went on a mission to China in the summer,
followed by a visit by Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.
The two States' intention to cultivate their strategic
partnership was confirmed at the meetings and preparatory steps
were taken for President Sergio Mattarella's visit to China next
year, the sources said.
Italy signed up for the BRI in 2019, making it the only G7
country to do so, but the decision not to renew the involvement
was widely expected.
The memorandum for Italy's participation in the new Silk Road
initiative expires in March.
The premier's office made "no comment" when asked about the move
on Wednesday.
Photo: Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte shakes hands with
Chinese President Xi Jinping before their meeting at the Great
Hall of the People in Beijing, China, April 27, 2019.
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