On February 6, Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino announced that the country officially withdrew from China's Belt and Road infrastructure initiative (BRI).
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| Panama affirms that it will not sever diplomatic relations with China. (Source: VCG) |
AFP news agency reported that, speaking to the press, Mr. Mulino said that the Panamanian Embassy in Beijing had notified the Chinese side 90 days in advance as required by regulations about the decision not to renew participation in this initiative.
The move comes after the US pressed China to reduce its influence over the Panama Canal, with Washington even threatening to take back control of the vital waterway.
According to President Mulino, he made the decision to withdraw from BRI before hosting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio from February 1-2.
Despite withdrawing from the BRI, President Mulino declared that his country will not sever diplomatic relations with China, despite threats from his US counterpart.
The leader also denied President Trump's accusation that China is controlling the Panama Canal Authority.
Also at the press conference, Mr. Mulino denied Washington's claim that the country had an agreement with the Trump administration, in which it would not charge fees for US ships passing through the Panama Canal.
He said he had a phone call with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on February 5, expressing surprise and criticism of Washington's false statement.
Source: https://baoquocte.vn/panama-chinh-thuc-rut-khoi-sang-kien-vah-dai-va-con-duong-khang-dinh-khong-cat-dut-quan-he-voi-trung-quoc-303469.html
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