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 Edward Scicluna said care was needed, but that should not stand in the way of business, and Malta needed diversification. The European Commission has also been looking to expand its trade ties with China as part of an effort to counter protectionism by other EU member states.
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 Edward Scicluna said care was needed, but that should not stand in the way of business, and Malta needed diversification. The Trump administration has previously warned that Italy’s involvement could affect its international reputation.