Italy to join China's Belt and Road initiative over US worry

Premier Giuseppe Conte pledged Tuesday to make Italy the first Group of Seven nation to join China's ambitious Belt and Road initiative, despite objections from the United States and concerns within his governing coalition.

Speaking to parliament, Conte said that Italy's signing of a memorandum of understanding for the infrastructure-building venture, which is due to happen during the Chinese premier's visit this week, would not "in the least" put into question Italy's position within the strategic trans-Atlantic alliance or with European partners.

Italy's signature would be considered a major legitimation of the project that envisions overland and maritime routes connecting China with Europe.

A White House official has warned Italy against joining, calling it a Chinese "vanity project."
"The infrastructure will redefine commercial traffic routes. We will have new airports, new trade corridors, and it will certainly influence our economic growth. We don't want to lose any opportunity."
"But facts will always speak louder than words."
"If the Chinese want to invest in railways and ports, fine. What is important that control remains in Italian hands."