China slams US for "irresponsible" remarks on Panama Canal cooperation

On February 5, China's foreign ministry expressed concern, lodging complaints with the United States over what it called "irresponsible" remarks regarding the Panama Canal.

The ministry also criticized what it described as "attacks" on China's cooperation with Panama in relation to the canal, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

During a press briefing, ministry spokesperson Lin Jian addressed Panama's decision to let its involvement in the infrastructure plan, under China's Belt and Road Initiative, expire.

"Currently, the cooperation between China and Panama under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative is proceeding normally," Lin stated.

Lin also urged relevant parties to remain confident and avoid being influenced by external interference. "We hope that the relevant parties will remain confident, not be influenced by external interference, and make the right decisions based on the overall bilateral relationship and the long-term interests of the people of both countries," he added.

To recall, President Donald Trump reaffirmed his pledge to "take back" the Panama Canal, warning of "powerful" US actions amid growing tensions with Panama over China’s presence near the vital waterway.

"China is running the Panama Canal that was not given to China, that was given to Panama foolishly, but they violated the agreement, and we’re going to take it back, or something very powerful is going to happen," Trump told reporters.

Earlier, tensions seemed to ease after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Panama’s President Raúl Mulino during his first overseas trip. While Mulino maintained Panama’s sovereignty over the canal, he addressed US concerns over China’s influence, stating Panama would not renew a 2017 agreement to join China’s Belt and Road initiative and may even end the deal early.

Mulino also highlighted plans to foster stronger US investments in Panama, especially in infrastructure projects. “I think this visit opens the door to build new relations … and try to increase as much as possible US investments in Panama,” he said.

By Aghakazim Guliyev