Italy to withdraw from China’s belt and road initiative, say sources

Giorgia Meloni has long been a critic of the project and has previously expressed a desire to withdraw from it. Photograph: Francesco Fotia/Shutterstock

Italy has formally notified China of its withdrawal from Beijing’s ambitious belt and road infrastructure initiative (BRI), a significant trade and infrastructure project, according to two government sources.

The decision, which had been expected for some time, was reportedly communicated to Beijing three days ago, although no official communication has been released by either side.