"The memorandum with China is signed, it is a non-binding framework agreement, it is not an international agreement ”, announced Giuseppe Conte at the end of the summit at Palazzo Chigi with the deputy premiers Luigi Di Maio and Matteo Salvini. Next week, on the occasion of Chinese President Xi Jimping's visit to Rome scheduled for March 21, Italy will officially join the Silk Road, the investment plan all-round infrastructure related to ports, railways, energy, roads, telecommunications, etc. launched from China almost 6 years ago.
The text of the document still remains a mystery, as well as the rules and "collaborations" contained therein, but Italy decides to go ahead despite the concerns expressed by the United States and the European Union, regarding which the Prime Minister downplays : on the Silk Road “the declaration of the EU was very serene, calm. Italy is the only country to extensively and punctually refer to European principles and rules in the memorandum. It has propulsive force as far as European standards are concerned. And it makes a contribution to the whole EU so that this very important infrastructure is absolutely compatible and adapted to European standards”.
ASSURANCE ON 5G AND INFRASTRUCTURE
During the press conference following the summit, Conte however tried to reassure the allies on one of the most delicate issues, that relating to 5G and telecommunications: “We will strengthen the golden power to protect national interests. That of 5G is a game that we are following and we are evaluating all the countermeasures. It applies to the Chinese and to all the operators that manage data traffic. These are very sensitive issues for national interests and we will impose all precautions for all operators. They are strategic assets”.
It is no coincidence that, according to rumors, 5G should be excluded from the Memorandum, precisely in order not to create discontent in Italy and above all abroad.
According to what reported by Financial Times the text should instead provide for financial support from the Chinese Investment Bank for Infrastructure (AIIB).
DI MAIO REJOICES, THE LEAGUE BRAKES
“Today the Made in Italy wins, with the Belt and Road Initiative Italy has decided to be more sovereign. It is not a political agreement with China but a commercial opportunity, the USA in fact remain our main ally and NATO our natural home", declares the deputy premier Luigi di Maio, like Conte, he reassures on the TLCs: "On telecommunications we will be be vigilant,” he pointed out.
“It is essential to help Italian companies grow and export abroad, to reach the numbers of France and Germany, and for this we thank Conte, Di Maio and Geraci for the great work done. Obviously - Northern League sources point out - national security comes first and therefore in some strategic sectors for us and for the allies (telecommunications, energy, ports and infrastructures) we are carrying out all the necessary checks and assessments: the safety of the Italians comes first , then the economic interest”.
