Reference News Website, January 14 report: According to Agencia Latinoamericana de Noticias on January 13, Panama's Minister of Culture, Maruja Herrera, stated on the 12th that the Panamanian government is ready to restore the monument commemorating the Chinese community. The monument was ordered to be demolished by the city government of Arraijan on December 31, 2025, without prior proper consultation.

Herrera visited the old site of the monument located at the Pan American Bridge viewpoint on the western side of the Panama Canal on the 12th. The monument had attracted many tourists. Previously, the Arraijan city government stated that due to the poor structural condition of the monument, urgent measures were necessary for safety reasons, hence its removal.

This removal action took place in the late night of December 27, 2025, without any prior notice. The act immediately drew attention from the Chinese community in Panama, the Chinese embassy in Panama, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China.

The official statement from China pointed out that the monument is a witness and memorial to the traditional friendship between China and Panama since the 19th century.

In response to this incident, the Chinese government has made an official protest to the Panamanian government, demanding a comprehensive investigation into the event and immediate correction of the illegal actions.

President of Panama, Laurentino Cortizo, also publicly condemned the act and ordered the immediate reconstruction of the monument at the original site in an effort to mitigate the diplomatic and social impact of the municipal action.

Minister of Culture Herrera visited the old site of the monument along with the general manager of the Bank of Panama, Andres Faruhia, and representatives of the Chinese Association of Panama.

Herrera pointed out at the scene, "We are ready to restore and give it value again." During the visit, the Panamanian authorities unanimously agreed that it is necessary to proceed with the restoration and reconstruction of the monument, restoring the original appearance of the monument's location, and paying tribute to the historical contributions of the Chinese community to the development of Panama's nation. (Translated by Wang Meng)

Original: toutiao.com/article/7595201394417369635/

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