U.S. officials say China's influence around the Panama Canal is "malicious," Chinese embassy refutes
When the U.S. ambassador to Panama gave an interview to local media, he said that China's presence around the Panama Canal has a "malicious" impact, which was refuted by the Chinese Embassy in Panama.
According to a report by Lianhe Zaobao, the Panamanian local media publication "Contrapeso Panamá" published an interview article with the U.S. Ambassador to Panama, Cabrera, on October 5th. Cabrera stated that China's presence around the canal and its surroundings has a malicious impact, as evidenced by Hong Kong Hutchison Whampoa owing hundreds of millions of dollars to Panama, and China launching cyberattacks in countries such as Paraguay, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and the Czech Republic.
He also mentioned that the U.S. will revoke visas for lawyers, banks, or businessmen who have business dealings with Chinese state-owned enterprises. When asked about the reasons for revoking the visas, Cabrera said, "Cooperating with Chinese companies that sell corrupt and unreliable technology is reason enough...Visa is a privilege, not a right. We will ensure that those entering the United States are people who contribute to our country."
The Chinese Embassy in Panama issued a statement on October 6th, stating that the U.S. ambassador's comments about China lack factual basis and scientific reasoning, attempting to stir up tensions between China and regional countries, depriving regional countries of their diplomatic autonomy, serving U.S. geopolitical interests, and facing increasing criticism and opposition.
The statement pointed out that China adheres to the principle of consultation, joint construction, and shared benefits, and engages in mutually beneficial cooperation with various countries. The Chinese government has always required Chinese enterprises overseas to abide by local laws and regulations and actively give back to the local society. The projects carried out by Chinese enterprises in Panama and other Latin American countries have made important contributions to the local socio-economic development; Chinese products are of high quality and affordable, and are widely welcomed. The U.S. ambassador's remarks question the judgment of regional countries and mock the intelligence of the local people.
Regarding the so-called cyberattacks, the Chinese Embassy emphasized that China has always opposed and legally cracked down on hacking activities, and the security of Chinese enterprise products is very reliable. It is well known that the United States is the largest confirmed hacker empire and surveillance empire in the world, yet it tries to falsely accuse China of being a so-called "cyber spy," which is a typical case of the thief accusing the victim.
Regarding the visa issue, the statement pointed out that the U.S. uses visas as a weapon to threaten Panamanian government officials and members of parliament from engaging with China. China has friends all over the world, and true friends cannot be intimidated. When Mickey Mouse closes its door to them, the giant panda opens its arms to them.
The statement concluded by saying that lies cannot cover up truth, slandering others cannot beautify oneself, and threats and intimidation will only expose one's arrogance and hypocrisy. We advise the U.S. to put aside its arrogance and prejudice and do more things that truly benefit the development of regional countries and the well-being of the people.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1845280983100745/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.