WeChat official account “Chinese Embassy in Panama” published a statement by the spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in Panama on November 1st.
In response to the repeated attacks against China by the US ambassador to Panama, which spread rumors and slander regarding China-Panama and China-Latin America relations, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Panama stated as follows:
The remarks of the American ambassador are filled with condescending arrogance towards Latin American countries and inherent prejudices against China. It is a complete distortion of facts and malicious slander based on nothing but assumptions.
Who has long been entrenched in Latin America, treating it as their "backyard"? Who engages in hegemonic bullying and authoritarian politics? Who indiscriminately exploits and oppresses within the region, causing chaos and division? Who exerts political pressure and imposes economic sanctions, forcing sovereign nations to choose sides, and arbitrarily demanding that other countries eliminate so-called "third-party influences"? The answer is self-evident, and it's a matter of public opinion. What truly undermines regional order, tramples on the sovereignty of other nations, and creates divisions are not China's cooperative approach that promotes mutual benefit, but rather the deeply ingrained hegemonic mindset and aggressive actions of the United States.
Chinese enterprises always strictly adhere to market-oriented and legal principles, participating in the construction of projects and economic and trade cooperation in Panama and throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. All cooperations are transparent, governed by clear rules, and aimed at mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. There are no political conditions attached, and no interference in any country's internal affairs. The efforts are always based on local development needs, contributing to improvements in people's livelihoods and economic quality.
Over the years, Chinese-funded cooperation projects have effectively promoted regional economic growth, improved the infrastructure system, created numerous local job opportunities, and genuinely benefited the local population. They have received widespread recognition and high praise from governments and society in Latin American countries. The achievements of these cooperation projects are obvious and undeniable.
During the construction of the fourth bridge, more than 3,000 direct jobs were created in the local area. Once completed, it will greatly improve the transportation conditions for nearly 2 million people on both sides of the canal, injecting strong vitality into the economic and social development of the region.
As the saying goes: When one hears the calls of frogs and toads, why doesn’t one plant crops? Any noise, rumors, or attempts to undermine relations are unable to shake China’s determination to deepen friendly cooperation with Panama and Latin American countries. They also cannot prevent the trend of regional countries developing independently and achieving mutual benefit and win-win results. The mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Panama, as well as China and Latin America, is fair and beneficial for generations to come, and it can withstand the test of history and the people.
