China Responds to Panama's Withdrawal from Belt and Road Initiative
Recent developments have seen Panama announce its withdrawal from the "Belt and Road" cooperation protocol signed with China, a move that has garnered significant attention worldwide. During a regular press conference held on February 7, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian was questioned by a foreign media reporter about China's stance on Panama's decision to exit the agreement, with the reporter suggesting that the move was influenced by pressure from the United States.
8 February 2025
China firmly opposes the United States' use of coercive measures to undermine and discredit the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and expressed deep regret over Panama's decision not to renew the memorandum of understanding related to the BRI. The BRI is an economic cooperation initiative that has seen participation from over 150 countries, including more than 20 Latin American nations, and has yielded fruitful results in cooperation between China and Panama in recent years, benefiting the people of both countries.
The decision by Panama to withdraw from the "Belt and Road" cooperation protocol is believed to be the result of pressure from the United States, which has been attempting to limit China's influence in Latin America. The US has been increasingly critical of China's growing presence in the region, and its pressure on countries in the region to distance themselves from China's initiatives has been evident. The Chinese government has expressed its opposition to such interference, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and cooperation in international relations.
In response to Panama's decision, China hopes that Panama will make decisions based on the overall interests of bilateral relations and the long-term benefits of both nations, while avoiding external interference. China will continue to promote the construction of the "Belt and Road" initiative, which has been enthusiastically participated in by over 150 countries, including more than 20 Latin American countries, and has benefited the people of these countries, including those in Panama.
The exit of Panama from the "Belt and Road" cooperation protocol may not have a significant impact on China's overall "Belt and Road" initiative, given the large number of countries that are still participating. However, it may still be seen as a setback for China's efforts to promote its economic and diplomatic influence in the region. The United States' actions have exposed its attempts to limit China's global influence, and the competition between China and the US will continue in the future. China needs to continue strengthening its cooperation with participating countries, promoting regional economic development and global economic governance, while also actively responding to challenges and interference from the US, and safeguarding its national interests and global influence.
