China says it welcomes India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor so long it doesn't become a geopolitical tool
China said on Monday that it welcomes the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor announced on the sidelines of the G20 summit so long it doesn't become a «geopolitical tool», even as it downplayed Italy's plan to pull out of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
China welcomes all initiatives that truly help developing countries build infrastructure and sincere efforts to promote connectivity and common development, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.
«At the same time, we advocate that various connectivity initiatives should be open, inclusive, and form synergy, and should not become geopolitical tools,» the ministry said in a written response to PTI to a question on China's reaction to the new corridor.
On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced plans to launch the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor which includes India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, France, Italy, Germany and the US.
«Today we all have reached an important and historic partnership. In the coming times, it will be a major medium of economic integration between India, West Asia and Europe,» Modi said.
The corridor will give a new direction to connectivity and sustainable development of the entire world, he said.
«This is a big deal. This is a real big deal,» US President Joe Biden said while announcing the pact, aimed at promoting clean energy and better communities.
