The new United States ambassador to Panama, Kevin Cabrera, said Thursday that China “is not a good ally” for the Central American country or for the region, And he announced that Washington will work with the Panamanian government to counteract the “malignant influences” of the Asian giant.
The US president, Donald Trump, has repeatedly exposed his intention to resume the control of the Panama Canal of the Chinese influence on the maritime passagetensing relations with Beijing and with the Panamanian authorities.
“The first, among my priorities, will be to strengthen our joint work to counteract evil influences in the region like China,” The diplomat said in his first press conference in Panama City as Ambassador.
“This includes protecting the channel from influences that affect our mutual interests,” he said. “China is not a good ally of Panama or our hemisphere.”
Later, through a statement, the spokesman of the Chinese embassy in the Isthmus said that the accusations against his country are “contrary to the basic facts” And he supported his statement with comments from the president of the Central American country, José Raúl Mulino, who has denied Chinese interference in the Panama Canal.
“Cooperation between China and Panama in the strip and the route has achieved fruitful results, contributing positively to the development of Panama and the well -being of the Panamanians. These facts should not and cannot be denied “, The spokesman of the Chinese legation in Panama said.
“Regarding the transaction of relevant port concessions, the competent Chinese authorities They are carrying out an antimonopoly review in accordance with the law, which is fully compatible with international practices. China has always categorically opposed the practices that use economic coercion and intimidating abuse to harm the legitimate interests and rights of other countries, “he added.
In early April, the Attorney General of Panama opened an investigation into possible damage caused by a contract granted to CK Hutchison 0001.hkbased in Hong Kong, for the operation of two ports in the Central American country.
