hina’s Assistant Foreign Minister Zhao Zhiyuan summoned Panama’s ambassador to China, Miguel Humberto Lecaro Barcenas, on Friday to formally express China’s concerns over Panama’s decision not to renew the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Zhao stated that China deeply regrets Panama’s recent decision to terminate the MoU on the BRI.
He highlighted that, under the BRI framework, China and Panama have rapidly advanced pragmatic cooperation across multiple sectors, achieving significant results that have directly benefited Panama and its people.
Zhao emphasized that over 150 countries actively participate in the BRI, with its successes improving lives globally, including in Panama. He warned that reversing course on the initiative and disregarding the expectations of both Chinese and Panamanian people would not serve Panama’s core interests.
China, Zhao reaffirmed, respects Panama’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and upholds principles of equality among nations, mutual respect, and honoring commitments.
He strongly criticized the United States for attempting to undermine China-Panama relations and for exerting pressure to discredit and disrupt BRI cooperation.
Zhao also asserted that China-Panama relations are not directed against any third party and should remain free from external influence. He expressed hope that Panama would make decisions based on the broader bilateral relationship and the long-term interests of both nations.
In response, Lecaro affirmed Panama’s appreciation for its relationship with China and assured that he would report the discussion to his government.
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