Malta is considering joining China ’s Belt and Road initiative and comes after Italy said it might join the Chinese strategy . Critics have said the initiative is aimed at favouring Chinese companies , increasing the country ’s influence and forcing developing nations into debt . Malta ’s finance minister Tony Scicluna said care was needed , but that should not stand in the way of business , and Malta supports diversification . But on the other hand, as a region we are sovereign, we have our own interests and we should look at that first." The Trump administration has previously warned that Italy ’s involvement could affect its international relations .
Malta is considering joining China ’s Belt and Road initiative and comes after Italy said it might join the Chinese strategy . Critics have said the initiative is aimed at favouring Chinese companies , increasing the country ’s influence and forcing developing nations into debt . Malta ’s finance minister Tony Scicluna said care was needed , but that should not stand in the way of business , and Malta supports diversification . The Trump administration has previously warned that Italy ’s involvement could affect its international relations .