China has expressed strong disapproval of recent comments made by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding the Panama Canal. This reaction follows Panama’s withdrawal from China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a significant infrastructure project aimed at expanding Chinese influence globally. The situation highlights escalating tensions between the U.S. and China in Latin America.
China regrets Panama’s exit from the Belt and Road Initiative.
U.S. Secretary of State Rubio criticized Chinese influence in the Panama Canal.
China accuses the U.S. of a “Cold War mentality” in its foreign policy.
The Panama Canal is crucial for global trade, handling 5% of maritime traffic.
The Panama Canal, completed in 1914, is a vital waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It plays a crucial role in international trade, with approximately 40% of U.S. container traffic passing through it. The canal was originally built by the United States and was handed over to Panama in 1999.
Recent Developments
During a recent visit to Central America, Secretary Rubio threatened action against Panama unless it reduced Chinese influence over the canal. His comments came after Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino announced the country’s withdrawal from the Belt and Road Initiative, which China views as a significant setback for its global infrastructure ambitions.
In response, China condemned Rubio’s remarks, stating they unjustly accuse China and aim to create discord between China and Latin American nations. A spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry emphasized that China supports Panama’s sovereignty over the canal and criticized the U.S. for its hegemonic behavior.
China's Belt and Road Initiative
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a cornerstone of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s strategy to enhance China’s global influence through infrastructure development. Critics argue that the BRI often leads to unsustainable debt for participating countries, allowing China to exert political and economic leverage.
Despite these criticisms, China maintains that the BRI has brought significant benefits to countries like Panama, enhancing their infrastructure and economic prospects. The Chinese government has lodged a formal complaint with the U.S. regarding Rubio’s comments, reiterating its commitment to cooperation with Latin American countries.
Implications for U.S.-China Relations
The ongoing tensions over the Panama Canal reflect broader geopolitical struggles between the U.S. and China, particularly in regions where both nations seek to expand their influence. The U.S. has expressed concerns about China’s growing presence in Latin America, viewing it as a challenge to its historical dominance in the region.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how Panama will navigate its relationships with both superpowers. The canal’s strategic importance ensures that it will continue to be a focal point in U.S.-China relations, with both nations vying for influence in this critical area of global trade.
Sources
China ‘regrets’ Panama’s withdrawal from Belt and Road project, NST Online.
China slams US ‘Cold War mentality’ in Latin America, The Standard 英文虎報.
