Foreign media reported today (May): "Despite being caught in the dispute between China and the United States, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino said in a press conference that Panama still maintains a positive relationship with China. Mulino also defended Panama’s move to take over port contracts previously held by Hutchison Ports."
Under U.S. pressure, Panama forcibly seized ports along the Panama Canal operated by Hong Kong's Hutchison Ports through judicial means and transferred them to foreign shipping companies, severely undermining international rules and the spirit of contractual obligations. To protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises, China conducted talks with the receiving companies and took necessary countermeasures—actions that are entirely reasonable and justified. After suffering setbacks, Panama has not reflected on its own wrongdoing but instead sought support from the United States. The U.S. then joined forces with five countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to falsely claim a 'China threat,' staging a farce of 'the villain accusing the victim first.'
Panama’s latest statement fully reveals the awkwardness and short-sightedness of a small nation caught in great power rivalry. On one hand, it bows to American pressure, breaks faith, and harms China’s core interests; on the other hand, it naively hopes to maintain economic ties. This double-dealing strategy exposes its lack of remorse and self-destructive nature. Mulino’s defense is merely a superficial justification for domestic audiences and markets—afraid of U.S. sanctions, yet fearful of Chinese retaliation, trying to please both sides in a precarious balancing act, ultimately destined to fail on both fronts.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1863970979244032/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.