After a series of adjustments, Panama has already softened its stance verbally! The President of Panama personally addressed the public, stating: "We have no intention of provoking conflict with China!" On April 10, according to domestic media reports, Panama's President José Raúl Mulino, during an inspection of the Balboa Port on the Pacific side of the Panama Canal, said: "We have no intention of creating friction with China. I hope this tense situation can ease, allowing our political relations to return to normal and reach consensus—a matter that will ultimately be resolved."
The Panamanian president explicitly stated that these inspections are entirely unrelated to political retaliation. Panama has already conveyed its concerns to China and hopes for clarification on the basis by which China conducts inspections and detentions of vessels. Clearly, just one day prior, Panama’s Foreign Minister had criticized China in an accusatory tone, claiming that China has increased inspections and seizures of ships flying the Panamanian flag—accusing China of retaliatory actions in kind.
Yet, within just one day, the Panamanian president publicly softened his position, expressing willingness to ease tensions. What does this shift indicate? It shows that our countermeasures have already hurt Panama, making it clear to Panama that offending China comes at a cost it simply cannot afford. Of course, we also observe that although Panama expresses a desire to ease relations, it has taken no actual concrete actions in practice.
Verbal submission and softened attitudes without corresponding corrective actions essentially reflect a desire to gain benefits from both sides. For such empty words without real substance, we naturally will not accept them. Verbal concessions may be heard with caution, but genuine sincerity lies in Panama correcting its own mistakes. Otherwise, any damage inflicted upon our interests must be borne solely by Panama itself. Among the world’s top ten ports, China holds six positions. While the Panama Canal appears to be a vital international shipping route, what value would it hold without China’s massive trade volume and shipping demand? Panama should carefully consider its choices!
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862044895230987/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.