The Belt and Road Initiative, as it is formally called, is a key initiative of President Xi Jinping, and envisions rebuilding the old Silk Road to connect China with Asia, Europe and beyond with massive infrastructure spending. The United States has been particularly critical of Italy’s decision to sign up to the plan last month, during Xi’s visit to Rome, the first for a G7 nation. Chinese State Councillor Wang Yi, the government’s top diplomat, told reporters that the Belt and Road scheme had brought real benefits to participating countries. When the United States participates, or whether it participates, is up to them to decide,” he added. Italy plans to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative“I think this is normal as it’s an economic cooperation initiative.

Source: The Express Tribune April 19, 2019 05:15 UTC