But he also addressed concerns that China's state apparatus would be the real winner. In Brussels, French leader Emmanuel Macron called for a concerted EU approach to China, criticizing Italy's singular move in agreeing to sign the deal with China. China expert Francesco Sisci said Mattarella's comments indicate "that he fears there hasn't been enough transparency so far in relations between China and Italy. Chinese investments in Italy have totaled 22 billion euros ($25 billion), officials say, well below that of other European nations. Italian exports into China lag other nations by a decade or more, running at 13 billion euros compared with 20 billion euros for France and 87 billion euros for Germany.

Source: ABC News March 22, 2019 11:30 UTC