China urges Panama to reconsider "Belt and Road" exit, slams US interference

China's Assistant Foreign Minister Zhao Zhiyuan expressed strong disapproval towards Panama's decision to withdraw from the "Belt and Road" initiative, following the country's intention to terminate the memorandum of understanding for joint projects.

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported on Zhao's comments, stating that he emphasized the "fruitful results" of the cooperation between China and Panama, which had been dynamically developing, per Caliber.Az.

Zhao said, "This decision contradicts the expectations of the people of Panama and does not align with their key interests." He added that China respects Panama's sovereignty and territorial integrity and advocates for equal and mutually respectful cooperation.

He also made clear China's opposition to external interference, particularly from the US. "China is firmly opposed to US actions deliberately aimed at destroying China-Panama relations through pressure and threats, as well as efforts to discredit and undermine our cooperation on the Belt and Road projects," Zhao stated.

Zhao further emphasized that the bilateral relationship between China and Panama has "never been directed against any third party" and should not be subject to external influences. He expressed hope that Panama would reconsider its decision, taking into account the long-term interests of both countries and their people. "We hope that Panama will make the right decision, considering the overall situation of bilateral relations," he said.

Panama's intention to withdraw from the initiative followed a meeting between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino, during which Mulino confirmed that the country would not renew its participation in the initiative. Panama had originally signed an agreement to join the "Belt and Road" in 2017.

US President Donald Trump also recently reiterated his stance on the Panama Canal, stating in his inaugural speech that his administration would seek to "take back" the canal. Trump had previously remarked that the 1999 handover was "a gesture of cooperation," but not a concession.

The "Road and Belt" initiative, proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, is aimed at enhancing multilateral trade and investment projects involving both Chinese and foreign capital. More than 150 countries and over 30 international organizations have joined the initiative.

By Tamilla Hasanova