China has expressed strong disapproval of the United States’ influence in Latin America, particularly following Panama’s recent decision to withdraw from the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This move positions Panama as the first nation in Latin America to step away from the ambitious infrastructure program championed by China.
In a statement released on Friday, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China criticized the United States for what it termed a “Cold War mentality” aimed at undermining China’s infrastructure collaborations. Lin Jian, the spokesperson, denounced the use of pressure and coercion by Washington against BRI partnerships, asserting that such actions reveal the hegemonic tendencies of the US.
Lin also referenced the recent visit of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to the region, claiming that Rubio’s remarks unjustly vilified China and sought to create divisions between China and its Latin American partners. The BRI has garnered participation from over 20 Latin American countries, signaling significant interest in China’s vision of expanded global trade and connectivity since its launch in 2013.
Panama originally joined the BRI in 2017, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s engagement with China’s expansive infrastructure efforts. However, on Thursday, Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino announced that the nation has formally filed a notice to exit the initiative. This announcement followed a high-profile visit from Rubio, who toured the strategically significant Panama Canal.
Despite the implications that the US might have exerted pressure on Panama to withdraw from the BRI, President Mulino has clarified that the decision was made independently. Rubio celebrated the announcement as a significant improvement in US-Panama relations while previously threatening action if the country did not curtail Chinese influence over the canal.
In response to the recent developments, Beijing reiterated its acknowledgment of Panama’s sovereignty over the canal. The Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed hope that Panama would evaluate its decisions with consideration to the mutual benefits of bilateral relations, advocating for the elimination of external pressures.
As the global landscape continues to shift, the dynamics between the US and Latin America remain crucial. The transition of Panama indicative of broader geopolitical trends may inform future engagements and collaborations worldwide.
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