Italy Officially Withdraws from China's Belt and Road Initiative

Italy has withdrawn from China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), becoming the first G7 nation to do so. The BRI aims to invest in infrastructure projects to recreate the ancient Silk Road trade routes. Critics argue that the initiative allows China to expand its geopolitical influence and burden poorer countries with unsustainable debts. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who took office last year, opposed Italy's participation, citing the lack of substantial benefits. The decision was communicated to Beijing in a recent letter, but Rome remains cautious about potential retaliation from China.