Under pressure from the US, Panama becomes the first Latin American country to exit Beijing’s global infrastructure initiative.
China criticizes the “Cold War mentality” of the US in Latin America following Panama’s withdrawal from the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the US for undermining the global infrastructure program on Friday.
According to Lin Jian, “Beijing strongly opposes the US’s use of pressure and coercion to tarnish and disrupt Belt and Road cooperation. The US’s actions once again reveal its hegemonic tendencies.”
Lin referenced US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent visit to the region, accusing him of unfairly targeting China and creating discord between China and Latin American countries.
Jian highlighted that more than 20 Latin American nations have participated in the BRI since its inception in 2013.
In 2017, Panama became the first country in the region to officially join the extensive infrastructure plan, a key component of President Xi Jinping’s efforts to enhance China’s global influence.
However, on Thursday, Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino announced the country’s decision to exit the project.
The move came after a visit by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also toured the Panama Canal.
Despite both countries denying the allegations, President Donald Trump has accused Panama of giving control of the strategic waterway to China multiple times.
Mulino refuted claims that the US influenced Panama’s decision to withdraw from the BRI.
Rubio, who had previously threatened action against Panama if it did not reduce Chinese influence on the canal, hailed the decision as a positive development for bilateral relations.
On Friday, Beijing reiterated its support for Panama’s sovereignty over the canal.
“We hope that Panama will make the right decision based on mutual interests and eliminate external interference,” stated Jian.
