Chinese Embassy in Panama (via TeleSurTV.net). According to the Embassy’s statement, in the eight years since diplomatic ties were established, cooperation between China and Panama has produced “fruitful results.” Source: China's Embassy in Panama.
The Embassy of China in Panama, through a statement by its spokesperson, refuted a recent report published by a Panamanian media outlet which, under the title of a “case analysis,” spread accusations about Beijing’s alleged intentions in the Western Hemisphere.
The report suggested that China seeks to consolidate its geopolitical status through the alleged use of non-transparent loans, the courting of elites, and the signing of infrastructure contracts, including its diplomatic relations with Panama.
The embassy criticized the article for lacking basic factual support, limiting itself to repeating false rumors that have already been debunked, and issuing “groundless, senseless comments” about bilateral relations and China–Latin America cooperation.
The statement emphasizes that relations between China and Latin American countries are based on being “good friends and partners” who seek equality, mutual benefit, and shared development.
The diplomatic mission insists that the distinctive feature of China–Latin America cooperation is its openness, inclusiveness, and mutual benefit and that the effort to strengthen these ties is a free choice of the peoples and fully aligns with the common interests of both sides.
A central point of the rebuttal was the reaffirmation of the “One China” principle, recalling that in 1971, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758, which recognized the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government representing all of China, declaring Taiwan an inalienable part of its territory.
Following this resolution, the United Nations system and international organizations have adhered to this principle. For this reason, Panama’s 2017 decision to establish diplomatic relations with Beijing under this framework is “on the right side of history.”
In total, 183 countries, including the US, have established relations on the basis of the One China principle. The few remaining holdouts are core allies of the US hegemonic international regime.
According to the statement, in the eight years since diplomatic ties were established, cooperation between China and Panama has produced “fruitful results” in areas such as trade, investment, and development assistance, bringing tangible benefits to the Central American country.
They also highlight that China is an essential trade partner, the main supplier to the Franca de Colón Zone, and the second-largest user of the Panama Canal.
They further note that Chinese investments have grown, and companies from the Asian nation operate in Panama under the principles of openness, fairness, and transparency, being responsible for major infrastructure projects such as the Panama Convention Center and the Amador Cruise Terminal.
Moreover, they state that China’s bilateral development cooperation strictly adheres to the principle that projects must be “proposed, agreed upon, and led by recipient countries,” with agreements and implementation negotiated directly by the governments of both sides.
China Responds to US Smear Campaign in Panama, Reaffirms Respect for Sovereignty
The aid provided by China is intended for the Panamanian government, not for political parties or private individuals, they emphasize. This assistance, requested by the Panamanian side, has included everything from anti-epidemic supplies and medical equipment to support for the feasibility study of the Panama City–David City railway.
Finally, they pointed to reciprocity in the diplomatic sphere, noting that just as Panama has been provided facilities for its embassy and consulates in China, China has received land for its embassy in Panama City, in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
Translation: Orinoco Tribune
OT/CB/SL
