Italy Signs Up to China’s Global Infrastructure Plan Despite U.S. Ire

ROME—Italy and China signed an agreement to cooperate on Beijing’s global infrastructure plan, the Belt and Road Initiative, sealing an accord that has alarmed Italy’s U.S. and European allies.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, on a six-day visit to Europe, and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte presided over the signing ceremony in Rome. Italy’s support for the Belt and Road Initiative is a diplomatic victory for Mr. Xi, whose ambitious plan for an international network of ports, roads, railways and pipelines has faced criticism for the opacity of some deals.