Fri Feb 07 13:05:33 UTC 2025: ## China Condemns US Pressure on Panama Over Belt and Road Initiative Exit
**Beijing, February 7, 2025** – China has strongly criticized the United States for allegedly pressuring Panama into withdrawing from the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Following Panama’s official announcement on Thursday, February 6th, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian expressed deep regret and accused the US of “smearing and sabotaging” the initiative through coercion.
Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino confirmed the country’s withdrawal, although he denied direct US pressure. The decision follows a meeting between Mulino and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier this month.
Mr. Jian urged Panama to reconsider its decision, emphasizing the importance of bilateral relations and the long-term benefits of BRI participation for both nations. He highlighted the initiative’s positive impact on over 150 participating countries, including more than 20 in Latin America.
Panama joined the BRI in November 2017, becoming the first Latin American nation to do so shortly after switching diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China. The US has repeatedly made unsubstantiated claims that China’s involvement in the BRI gives it undue control over the Panama Canal, a claim denied by both Panama and China. The incident further exacerbates existing tensions between the US and China.
First Piper 