Panama seems to have been interspersed between the United States and China, since Beijing has summoned the Panama Ambassador for withdrawing from the Belt and Road initiative (Bri). Panama decided to retire from the infrastructure project led by China billionaire after the threats of US President Donald Trump to recover the Panama Canal. According to the State News Agency of Xinhua, China summoned Ambassador Miguel Humberto Lecaro Barcenas on Friday by Panama’s decision not to renew the memorandum of understanding (MOU) about cooperation with China in the Bri.
China expresses a deep regret for Panama’s decision
The Chinese side expressed a deep repentance after Panama announced the termination of the Mou in the Chinese project. In a statement, the Assistant of the Foreign Minister of China, Zhao Zhiyuan, said: “Within the bri Tangible benefits to Panama and its people. “
Zhao stressed that more than 150 countries actively participate in the BRI, since he stressed that the achievements of the project benefit the people of several nations, including Panama.
The BRi project has remained subject to criticism in recent times, since it is called a ‘debt trap’ with many countries that struggle to pay Chinese loans.
“Any attempt to reverse the course on the Bri and go against the expectations of the Chinese and Panamanian people do not align with the vital interests of Panama,” Zhao said. The Chinese minister said that Beijing opposes the actions of the United States that undermine relations with China-Panama and discredit and undermine cooperation under the Bri through pressure and threats.
The United States warns Panama
Previously, the United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, during his visit to Panama, warned Panama that the United States would take measures if he did not take immediate measures to end China’s influence and control over the Panama Canal.
After Ruibo’s warning, the president of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, announced the Panama departure from the Bri project. “I don’t know what the intention of those who signed this agreement with China. What has brought Panama all these years? It was summoned by the South China Morning Post, based in Hong Kong.
(With AP tickets)
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