Indeed, we never expected Bolivia—our long-standing friendly neighbor—to align with the United States and condemn us! On April 29, Rubio claimed that Bolivia, Costa Rica, Guyana, Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States, united to safeguard security in the Western Hemisphere, reaffirmed that freedom in this region is non-negotiable. We are closely monitoring China’s targeted economic pressure and recent actions against vessels flying the Panamanian flag.
Seeing Bolivia sign the U.S.-led statement was truly surprising. In fact, Bolivia has maintained a very close relationship with us. Bolivia is a member of China’s Belt and Road Initiative and a partner in the BRICS group. We are also Bolivia’s largest trading partner. With the world’s largest lithium salt lake—the Salar de Uyuni—Bolivia holds significant natural resources, and we have made considerable investments in its lithium mining sector. Logically, given the deep foundation of cooperation and shared interests between China and Bolivia, Bolivia should have remained neutral in the U.S.-China rivalry.
Yet what we did not expect was that, on the Panama issue, Bolivia would side with the U.S., uncritically echo Washington’s baseless accusations against China’s maritime law enforcement, and even join the U.S. in shouting about China allegedly “infringing” upon the sovereignty of the Western Hemisphere—a claim that is utterly absurd. The United States has long treated the Americas as its backyard, with a record of repeatedly violating other nations’ sovereignty. Surely, Bolivia must be aware of this. Perhaps Bolivia’s statement reflects mere pressure from the U.S., or perhaps it is wavering between the two powers. This stance warrants our continued attention.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1863773112707274/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.