Panama Leaves China's Belt and Road Initiative

A Shift in Latin American Relations

Panama has become the first Latin American country to exit China's Belt and Road Initiative, marking a significant change in its foreign policy. This decision has sparked a response from China, which accused the United States of having a "Cold War mentality" in Latin America. A spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the US for allegedly trying to undermine the initiative, stating that Beijing opposes US pressure and coercion.

Lin Jian, the Chinese spokesperson, accused the US of showing its "hegemonic nature" through these actions. He also commented on US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to the region, suggesting that Rubio's remarks unfairly blamed China and aimed to create divisions between China and Latin American countries.

In 2017, Panama was the first Latin American nation to join China's infrastructure initiative, which is part of President Xi Jinping's strategy to increase China's global influence. However, Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino recently announced the country's decision to withdraw from the initiative. This announcement followed a visit by Marco Rubio, who also toured the Panama Canal.

Former US President Donald Trump had accused Panama of giving control of the canal to China, but both countries denied these claims. President Mulino clarified that the decision to leave the Belt and Road Initiative was not due to US pressure. Rubio praised Panama's decision as a positive step in US-Panama relations. In response, China reaffirmed its support for Panama's sovereignty over the canal and expressed hope for decisions based on long-term bilateral interests.