Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Beijing firmly opposes US efforts to discredit and undermine cooperation within the framework of that project through pressure and coercion.

He also expressed discontent over Panama’s announcement not to renew the memorandum of understanding within the IFR, to which it has belonged since 2017.

Lin recalled that this is an economic cooperation initiative and around 150 countries, including more than 20 Latin American nations, actively participate in it.

“The results have benefited the peoples of all countries, including Panama,” the spokesman emphasized and added his wish that the Isthmian side “makes the right decision in the overall interest of bilateral relations and the long-term interests of the two peoples.”

After his meeting with the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, the President of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, announced that his government will not renew its participation in the BRI.

Another issue questioned by Washington regarding China-Panama ties is the alleged interference in the Canal, an accusation that both that nation and Beijing have repeatedly denied.

Mulino declared today that he will not break diplomatic ties with China (established in 2017), in the midst of threats from US President Donald Trump.

On the other hand, the Foreign Ministry here today defended its ties with Latin America and the Caribbean, while condemning Rubio’s statements on this issue and others such as 5G, cybersecurity and the ‘One China’ principle.

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