China says it’s normal Belt and Road Initiative has sparked debate

China said that it is normal that Italy’s potential involvement in its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), nicknamed the Silk Road, has sparked debate.

The initiative is a massive infrastructure plan that seeks to create a sort of modern-day Silk Road to better connect China with Europe and Africa.

Chinese President Xi Jinping visits Italy this week and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte is set to sign a memorandum of understanding related to the project during the visit. Xi Jinping will also visit Monaco and France.

Vice Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Chao said that it is inevitable that some misunderstandings and doubts can arise in the process of developing the new Silk Road.

He added that deeds will speak louder than words and the agreement between China and Italy would be beneficial for the economic development of both countries.

The move has provoked concern from some quarters, including the United States and the EU.

Via La Repubblica