The tumultuous relations between the United States and China are also escalating in Europe, and in the case of Italy, they are impacting the famous 'Silk Road' (Belt and Road Initiative), which the Conte government approved in March 2019. Italy was the only G7 and Western European nation (along with Portugal) to sign a "memorandum of understanding" with China at that time. A signature that compelled Italy to join a grand project to increase China's global influence. The memorandum was valid for five years and was automatically renewed unless written notice was given three months in advance. The end-of-year decision point is approaching. There should be no doubt about it: During the election campaign last year, Giorgia Meloni stated that the signing was a huge mistake and that she would not have renewed the agreement. With the escalation of tensions between the US and China, canceling the memorandum today would appear to be a provocation against China as well as acquiescence to the heavy US suggestions in favor of cancellation. There are also infra-majority issues (the League political party had approved the 'Silk Road' at the time). In practice, the 'memorandum yes-memorandum no' dichotomy is of little significance. The benefits have not been realized, the agreement is nearly empty, and Europe has surpassed China as the United States' top trading partner. What should we do? It is common practice in Italy to put off making a choice if doing so seems particularly daunting.