These statements come amid a topic that continues to generate debate in Panama. Since September 2023, Washington has maintained restrictions and revocations of visas for various Panamanian figures, including politicians, lawyers, and journalists with influence on public opinion. The leader has attributed the situation to his criticisms of Washington's policy and the Memorandum of Understanding, ensuring that his stance responds to national interests. The former president Juan Carlos Varela also appears, allegedly having received 150 million dollars in exchange for breaking diplomatic relations with Taiwan and establishing them with China. The list also mentions Nicole Wong, former director of Foreign Policy, whom US sources attribute a relevant role in that process. Also, the lawyer Jürgen Mossack, linked to the creation of offshore companies; Rafael Pinto, former governor related to commercial and technological policies linked to China; and Amado Cerrud, former president of Parlatino, accused of promoting spaces of influence favorable to that country in regional forums. The situation keeps the diplomatic and political debate open in Panama, in a context marked by geopolitical tensions between the United States and China and their impact on national politics. Official sources have confirmed that the list remains in force and that the policy applied has not undergone modifications. According to the US position, some of those mentioned would have direct or indirect links with structures associated with the Chinese Communist Party, allegedly used to influence decisions of the Panamanian State or the formation of public opinion, which they consider a risk to their national security. Asked about the relationship with China, the ambassador indicated that the United States has the sovereign faculty to decide who can enter its territory, as part of its foreign and migratory policy. Among the names mentioned is the former mayor and presidential candidate José Isabel Blandón, who confirmed that his US visa has been expired since last April and that he has not started its renewal by assuming it would be denied.
