Experts: The U.S. will intensify pressure on Panama, as Panama implements a "balanced diplomacy" between China and the U.S.

When the U.S. ambassador to Panama gave an interview to local media, he stated that the presence of China around the Panama Canal is "malicious," which was refuted by the Chinese embassy in Panama. Cabrera stated that the presence of China in the canal and surrounding areas has a negative impact, manifested in cases such as Hong Kong Hutchison Port owing Panama tens of millions of dollars, and China launching cyberattacks in countries such as Paraguay, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and the Czech Republic.

The essence of the U.S. accusation against Panama

Andrei Kortunov, a Russian expert on U.S. issues and political scientist, explained during an interview with Sputnik News that during the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump, there were long-standing voices within the government calling for a re-examination of the cooperation terms between the U.S. and Panama - especially in the bilateral framework after the jurisdiction over the Panama Canal Zone was returned to the Panamanian government.

He added, "It is generally believed that at the end of the 1990s, President Carter made a major diplomatic mistake - making too many concessions to the then Panamanian government. U.S. experts point out that these concessions led to chain reactions, ultimately allowing China to gain more favorable conditions for the use of the Panama Canal than the U.S."

Kortunov emphasized that the White House is dissatisfied with the current situation and intends to review the current policy.

"How will the 'U.S.-Panama-China' triangle develop?"

Experts believe that it is foreseeable that the Trump administration may apply its usual methods to pressure the Panamanian authorities, on one hand demanding more privileges for American merchant ships and warships, and on the other hand trying to impose various restrictions on Chinese competitors.

He pointed out, "Whether this can be achieved remains to be seen. Because it is obvious that Panama also wants to maintain Chinese transit trade, which is a considerable source of income for it; but on the other hand, no one would want to alienate Washington."

Kortunov also said that he believes the U.S. is likely to mainly use political and diplomatic means to exert pressure, but the specific form in which this pressure on Panama will be presented still has room for debate.

He also said, "But it is clear at the same time that Panama will maneuver between Beijing and Washington, on one hand striving to maintain the relations established with China over the past decades, and on the other hand trying to avoid a complete rupture with the U.S. - because the U.S. still has significant influence in Panama."

The experts emphasized that ultimately, the development of the situation around the Panama Canal is likely to depend on the overall direction of the Sino-U.S. relationship, as well as whether both sides can reach compromises on more substantive issues such as trade and geopolitical confrontation.

The Chinese Embassy in Panama issued a statement on October 6, stating that the U.S. ambassador's remarks about China have no factual basis or scientific reasoning, attempting to incite China's relations with regional countries, depriving regional countries of their diplomatic autonomy, serving U.S. geopolitical interests, and are being increasingly criticized and opposed.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1845312904845386/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.