'Smearing Of BRI...': China Lashes Italy As Meloni Dumps Xi's Project That Passes Through PoK

China is up in arms as Italy walks out of Xi Jinping's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). A seething Beijing branded Italy's move as "smearing" of its BRI project. In a strong-worded statement, China accused Italy of undermining its initiative. Italy has officially exited the BRI four years after becoming the only G7 nation to sign up. The move by Italy is seen as a pro-India decision, as New Delhi has slammed the BRI repeatedly. India has expressed strong concerns over the BRI due to sovereignty issues. This is because the economic corridor passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.