Letters | How Italy’s deal with China on Belt and Road shows up the cracks in the EU

I refer to the article, “Italy’s move to join New Silk Road may see European Union tighten coordination on China” (March 24). That EU countries, especially France and Germany, are opposed to Italy joining China’s “Belt and Road Initiative” shows up the cracks in the EU, amid the intensification of pro-European and anti-European factions among its member states, and concerns about the rising wave of Euroscepticism.

Italy is only taking the lead in adopting measures to deal with its weak economy. Italy should have the right to put its interests first in trade issues. Given its heavy debt burden, it hopes to boost its slow-growing economy by exporting goods to China and attracting more investment from there. Can such an opportunity be provided within the EU?

The inaction of the EU and the active integration of some Eastern European countries into the “Belt and Road” have brought considerable pressure to bear on Italy. Criticism from Germany and France may come from a sense of guilt that they have no way to change the reality of the EU’s powerlessness. They should believe that Italy will be cautious in its cooperation with China.

I’m writing in response to the article, “Italy becomes first Western European nation to sign up for China’s belt and road plan” (March 23).