China has expressed deep regret over Panama’s decision not to renew the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
On Friday, Assistant Foreign Minister Zhao Zhiyuan summoned Panama’s ambassador to China, Miguel Humberto Lecaro Barcenas, to lodge formal representations regarding the matter.
Under the BRI framework, cooperation between China and Panama has flourished across various sectors, yielding tangible benefits for Panama and its people, Zhao highlighted. He emphasized that more than 150 countries actively participate in the BRI, contributing to global development and prosperity.
“Any attempts to reverse course on the BRI and go against the expectations of the Chinese and Panamanian peoples do not align with the vital interests of Panama,” Zhao stated.
China affirms its respect for Panama’s sovereignty and advocates for equality among nations, regardless of their size. Zhao stressed the importance of mutual respect and upholding commitments between countries.
He also expressed China’s firm opposition to any external interference that undermines China-Panama relations and discredits cooperation under the BRI. “China-Panama relations are never targeted at any third party and should not be disturbed by any third party,” Zhao added.
Ambassador Lecaro responded by reaffirming Panama’s commitment to its relationship with China and pledged to report the discussions to his government promptly.
