In the complex arena of international relations, Italy is facing an important decision in the near future: whether to continue to participate in China's Belt and Road Initiative. This issue has attracted widespread attention and discussion, especially after the visit of Italian Foreign Minister Tajani to China, Italy's position seems to have softened. However, the latest cooperation between the United States and India seems to have put new pressure on Italy, causing the Italian prime minister to change his attitude.
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has publicly criticized Italy's decision to join the Belt and Road Initiative four years ago, arguing that it was a hasty and reckless act. Tajani also said that since Italy joined the Belt and Road Initiative, it has not achieved the expected results. As a result, high-level contacts between China and Italy began, and Tajani even made a special trip to Beijing and had an in-depth exchange with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
During the talks, both sides expressed their positions on the Belt and Road Initiative. Tajani stressed that the strategic partnership between China and Italy is more important than the "Belt and Road", and bluntly said that the "Belt and Road" performance in terms of ** and investment is not ideal. Wang Yi stressed that China-Italy relations should be at the forefront of China-EU relations, and affirmed the achievements of the Belt and Road Initiative.
Despite this, after Tajani's visit to China, Italy did not continue to raise the idea of withdrawing from the Belt and Road Initiative. Italy clearly values its relationship with China and does not want to damage its relationship because of the Belt and Road Initiative. But at a time when Italy is hesitating, the United States and India have signed a new cooperation agreement, which seems to have brought new considerations to Italy.
At the G20 summit in New Delhi, U.S. Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the launch of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor project. The project includes infrastructure construction such as shipping and railways, as well as new energy development. White House adviser Jake Sullivan said the project aims to advance integration in the Middle East.
The US- and India-led project is in many ways similar to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and is clearly a competitor to the BRI initiative. This is not only to compete with China and weaken the influence of the Belt and Road Initiative, but also to provide an alternative for countries that want to exit the Belt and Road Initiative.
The United States and India chose to launch the project at the G20 summit, undoubtedly to attract more countries and distract the international community ahead of China's upcoming Belt and Road Summit. This move also further prompted Italy to make a decision. Sure enough, after the announcement of the United States and India, Italy's position changed.
At the G20 summit, Italian Prime Minister Melonha met with Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang and made it clear to Li Qiang that Italy plans to withdraw from the Belt and Road Initiative. Subsequently, Meloni said that Italy has not yet made a decision on this matter, but no matter what the outcome is, it will not affect the relations between China and Italy.
Although Italy's withdrawal from the Belt and Road Initiative is increasingly likely, this does not mean that it will have much of an impact on China. After all, the Belt and Road Initiative has been in place for ten years, and the partners are not just Italy. Countries such as France and Germany are also pushing for the EU to sign a Belt and Road agreement with China. The U.S. and Indian projects are still in their infancy, facing many challenges, and there is still a big gap compared to the mature experience of the Belt and Road Initiative. Therefore, the Belt and Road Initiative still has great advantages.