In response to the announcement of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor on the sidelines of the G20 summit, China expressed its welcome for the initiative, provided it does not transform into a “geopolitical tool.” China emphasized its support for initiatives that genuinely aid developing nations in infrastructure development and connectivity. The Chinese Foreign Ministry stressed the importance of open, inclusive, and synergistic connectivity efforts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the corridor, involving India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, France, Italy, Germany, and the US, as a significant step towards economic integration between India, West Asia, and Europe. The corridor aims to promote clean energy and address infrastructure gaps in low- and middle-income countries. This initiative has been seen as a global connectivity project rivaling China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has faced criticism for its debt sustainability. Italy’s decision to withdraw from the BRI is a challenge for China, as it plans to host the third conference of the initiative. China and Italy, however, expressed a commitment to strengthen cooperation in various fields, drawing on their shared history along the ancient Silk Road.
Source PTI
