The flags of Panama and China flown during a meeting held with Chinese and Panamanian companies to sign several trade agreements in Panama City, Panama August 26, 2024. Photo: Enea Lebrun/Reuters/file photo.
The embassy of China in Panama strongly responded to statements by US Ambassador Kevin Marino, who had described China’s role in Panama as “malign.” In an official statement, China dismissed such claims as “baseless lies” and condemned the campaign of intimidation that Washington is attempting to deploy in the region.
The diplomatic altercation was originally reported last July by international media; however, a related item was published today by Venezuela’s Últimas Noticias. Orinoco Tribune considers the issue relevant, as it demonstrates the contrast between US and Chinese diplomacy.
“Ambassador Marino has resorted to baseless accusations, without factual or scientific basis, in an attempt to discredit cooperation between China and Panama,” the spokesperson for the diplomatic mission said. “Lies cannot cover up the truth, and denigrating others does not improve one’s own image. Threats only expose arrogance and hypocrisy.”
Panda that hugs, mouse that excludes
China emphasized that its foreign policy is based on mutual respect, non-interference, and shared benefits. “Unlike the United States, which imposes extortionate conditions, sanctions, and tariffs to subjugate its partners, China builds bridges of cooperation without demanding the surrender of national sovereignty,” the statement continued.
“China has friends all over the world, and true friends are not intimidated. While Mickey Mouse closes his doors, the panda bear opens his arms,” the Embassy stated.
Visas as an instrument of pressure
The Chinese diplomatic mission denounced the US’s use of visa policy as a tool of blackmail. The US threatened to withdraw the visas from Panamanian officials and businesspeople who maintain ties with Chinese companies. The US ambassador claimed recently that “a visa is a privilege, not a right,” in what China considers a clear form of diplomatic pressure.
“These types of threats seek to undermine the autonomy of Latin American countries in their foreign policy, subordinating them to Washington’s geopolitical interests,” the Chinese spokesperson added. “It is a mockery of the intelligence of the people and an affront to their capacity for sovereign decision-making.”
Cooperation without impositions
China reiterated that its cooperation model is based on the principle of “consultation, joint construction, and mutual benefit” and that it requires its companies to comply with local laws and contribute to the development of the communities where they operate.
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“The projects developed by Chinese companies in Panama and Latin America have generated employment, infrastructure, and social progress. These are not impositions, but rather respectful alliances that strengthen the sovereignty of our partners,” the statement emphasized.
Espionage charges: the mirror complex
In response to accusations against Huawei, China pointed out that the US is the largest global hacking and surveillance empire, with a proven track record of mass espionage. “Attempting to pin the cyber spy hat on China is a clear case of ‘a thief thinks everyone is a thief,'” the statement concluded.
(Últimas Noticias) with Orinoco Tribune content
Translation: Orinoco Tribune
OT/JRE/SL
