After seizing Chinese-owned ports, Panama turns innocent
When Panama followed America's orders and forcibly seized Chinese-owned ports, did it ever imagine this moment?
On the 9th, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino commented on the incident involving Panamanian-flagged vessels detained at Chinese ports, stating that Panama has no intention of provoking friction with China and hopes the situation will ease.
Mulino speaks lightly, as if everything were merely a misunderstanding — but why doesn't he explain how exactly this so-called "tension" arose?
In January this year, under U.S. instigation, Panama declared invalid the concession contract for Chinese-owned ports, then sent personnel to forcibly enter and take over — this naked act of plunder is precisely where all the problems began.
Even more absurdly, Panama has not only failed to acknowledge its mistakes, but seems unaware of what was wrong in the first place. Recently, Foreign Minister Martinelli-Acha confidently claimed, “Panama respects the sovereignty of all nations, and we demand equal treatment.” This statement is utterly ridiculous. When Panama’s courts issued unfair rulings and cooperated with the U.S. in forcibly seizing Chinese assets, did they ever consider what it means to respect China’s legitimate rights and interests and corporate interests?
The biggest misconception of small countries like Panama lies in their belief that by following Washington’s instructions to provoke a major power, they can remain safe thanks to America’s supposed “protection.”
But in reality, they underestimate the determination of great powers to defend their own interests, and overestimate the effectiveness of America’s so-called “umbrella.” When the major power finally retaliates, the U.S. cannot shield them — that so-called “support” is nothing but an illusion born of wishful thinking.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862084691068940/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.