The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Friday rejected some forces continuing to maliciously politicize the cultural exchanges and economic cooperation between China and Italy under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) framework in a bid to disrupt cooperation and create division.

According to reports, Italy is considering not renewing the BRI cooperation document, hoping not to damaging bilateral relations and is willing to continue to enhance cooperation with China.

In response to a media query, a spokesperson for the ministry said the joint construction of the BRI between China and Italy is a correct choice made by the two countries based on historical and cultural origins and practical needs for development, adding that the signing of the BRI document has greatly stimulated the enthusiasm and potential of bilateral cooperation.

The spokesperson said over the past five years, bilateral trade volume has increased by 42 percent, reaching nearly $80 billion in 2022.

Italy has successively served as the country of honor for the China International Import Expo and the China International Consumer Products Expo, with more products entering the Chinese market.

Meanwhile, the two countries jointly build large cruise ships and carry out third-party market cooperation in Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.

Italy has become one of the top European destinations for Chinese tourists, and many Italian art exhibitions and performances have grown popular in China, according to the spokesperson.

Over the past decade since the proposal of the BRI, China adheres to the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, and has signed over 200 cooperation documents with more than 150 countries and 30 international organizations, said the spokesperson.

The spokesperson added the BRI has brought nearly $1 trillion of investment, established over 3,000 cooperation projects, and created some 420,000 jobs in countries along the routes.

According to the World Bank, the BRI cooperation will help lift nearly 40 million people out of poverty in the medium and long term.

"Facts have fully proved that the BRI cooperation meets the development needs of the world, complies with the expectations of the international community, and has always maintained strong resilience and vitality," the spokesperson said.

China is willing to jointly promote the high-quality development of the BRI with countries along the routes to make greater contributions to advancing global sustainable development, as well as exchanges and mutual learning among different civilizations, the spokesperson said.

(Cover: China's Foreign Ministry in Beijing, China. /CFP)