China regrets Panama's withdrawal from the Silk Road following US pressure.
Panama was the first Central American country to join the BRI, in 2017.
247 - Panama's decision to withdraw from the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), following pressure from the United States, has generated reactions in China, which lamented the Central American country's move. This information was released by... portal Caixinwhich highlighted the geopolitical context of the decision and its impacts on the relationship between Beijing and Latin America.
Panama was the first Central American country to join the BRI in 2017, during the government of Juan Carlos Varela, after establishing formal diplomatic relations with China and breaking ties with Taiwan. The project envisioned strategic investments in infrastructure, such as ports, railways, and telecommunications, reinforcing the Chinese presence in the region. However, under the current Panamanian government, led by Laurentino Cortizo, US pressure intensified, leading to the country's withdrawal from the initiative.
The spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern about the decision, stating that cooperation between the two countries in the BRI had already brought concrete benefits to Panama. "China has always believed that international cooperation should be based on mutual respect and shared benefit," he declared. Beijing sees the Panamanian withdrawal as a reflection of the growing influence of the United States over its partners in Latin America.
US authorities, in turn, have shown increasing opposition to the Chinese presence in the region, arguing that projects linked to the BRI could increase the economic dependence of participating countries on China and compromise their sovereignty. The Joe Biden administration has intensified pressure on Latin American countries to reconsider agreements with Beijing, especially in strategic sectors such as digital infrastructure and energy.
Panama's withdrawal from the BRI represents a significant shift in regional dynamics and may influence other countries to reassess their participation in the Chinese initiative. However, experts point out that China will continue to seek ways to maintain and expand its influence in Latin America, whether through bilateral investments or new trade agreements.
The case of Panama illustrates the ongoing geopolitical dispute between China and the United States over the control of strategic areas in the Western Hemisphere. With one of the world's most important maritime waterways, the Central American country remains a key player on the global political chessboard, and its decision to withdraw from the BRI could have long-term repercussions for Sino-Panamanian relations.
