Italy Officially Withdraws from China's Belt and Road Initiative, Ending G7 Involvement

Italy has formally informed China that it will terminate its membership in the Belt and Road Initiative, becoming the first G7 member to do so. The decision comes as Italy's participation in the initiative has not produced the desired effects and is no longer a priority. Italy's exit leaves China's flagship infrastructure drive without any G7 members. The move has been a bone of contention with Western allies, particularly the United States. More than half of the EU's members are still part of the Belt and Road Initiative, but interest has waned in recent years. The news of Italy's exit comes ahead of a high-stakes summit in Beijing, where European leaders will discuss trade grievances and China's relationship with Russia. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has been a staunch critic of the Belt and Road Initiative and has spearheaded the launch of the European alternative, Global Gateway.