Italy joining China's Belt and Road Initiative was atrocious move, defence minister says

Italy made an "improvised and atrocious" decision in joining China's Belt and Road (BRI) initiative, defence minister Guido Crosetto has said.

Mr Crosetto claimed the initiative had done little to boost Italy's exports, making China the only winner.

China has previously said both nations have seen "fruitful results" as a result of the BRI.

Italy became the first developed economy to join the BRI in 2019 - a move criticised by its Western allies.

The global investment programme envisions connecting China with Europe and beyond through rebuilding the old Silk Road trade route.

Under it, China provides funding for major infrastructure projects around the world, in a bid to speed Chinese goods to markets further afield.

Critics see it as a tool for China to spread influence. Both the EU and the US expressed concern when Italy decided to join the scheme four years ago.

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