The United States has interrupted normal exchanges and cooperation between China and the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, according to a Chinese spokesperson. This action will not have support and is destined to fail, added the spokesperson. China hopes that Panama can make the right decision without external interference, stated the spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lin Jian in response to reports about the possible suspension of Panama's participation in the Belt and Road Initiative.
At a regular press conference, Lin Jian asserted that there is sincere mutual support and cooperation for shared progress between China and the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, without zero-sum calculations or a 'winner takes all' mentality. China firmly opposes the defamatory actions of the United States and regrets Panama's decision not to renew the memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the Belt and Road Initiative.
In relation to the Taiwan issue, the spokesperson reiterated that there is only one China in the world and that the trend of working together to strengthen cooperation between China and the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean is irreversible. Regarding cybersecurity, China is committed to safeguarding it and to carry out cooperation in relevant areas based on the principle of mutual benefit.
China supports Panama's sovereignty over the Panama Canal and is committed to maintaining it as a permanently neutral international waterway. Cooperation in the Belt and Road Initiative has provided tangible benefits to more than 150 countries, including over 20 countries in Latin America, emphasized Lin, stressing that baseless accusations from the United States will not affect China's development and progress.
