Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian Photo: VCG

 
Recently, the US has made irresponsible remarks on the Panama Canal issue, and intentionally distorted, attacked and mischaracterized relevant cooperation, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a regular press conference on Wednesday, noting that China firmly opposes it and made stern démarches to the US side.

The remarks were made in responding to media questions about Panama’s announcement that it will not renew Belt and Road cooperation agreement with China after US President Donald Trump’s threat to reclaim ownership of the Panama channel alleging China’s control and influence over the channel violates its international neutrality.

In response, Lin said that since the Belt and Road Initiative was proposed in 2013, its cooperation areas and scope have kept expanding and it has become a popular international public good and international cooperation platform with extensive participation. 

Over the past decade and more of Belt and Road cooperation, parties have upheld the Silk Road spirit of peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefit, followed the principle of extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit, worked for fruitful outcomes in Belt and Road cooperation, and contributed to enhancing the friendship and promoting the economic and social progress of relevant countries, which is widely welcomed by these countries and people, the ministry spokesperson said.

Currently, cooperation between China and Panama under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative is carrying out normally and has achieved fruitful outcomes, Lin said. “We hope relevant party will strengthen confidence, resist external interruption, and make the right decision while keeping in mind the overall bilateral relations and the long-term interests of the people of the two countries,” he said.

In response to a separate media question about Panama reportedly considering canceling its contract with the Hong Kong-based company to operate ports near the Panama Canal, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has made a response regarding relevant Hong Kong company operating the ports near the Panama Canal.

Panama is a popular destination for international investment and has been renowned for its sound rule of law and transparent business environment, Lin said. “We believe it will provide a fair and just environment for companies from all countries and regions, including China’s Hong Kong SAR,” the ministry spokesperson said.

Commenting on the matter, a HKSAR government spokesperson said on Monday that the allegation made by US officials on the operation of the Panama Canal is unwarrantable and untrue, and expressed strong disapproval and objection.

According to the Constitution and the Basic Law, the HKSAR Government exercises a high degree of autonomy, and pursues the policy of free trade and safeguards the free movement of goods, intangible assets and capital, the HKSAR spokesperson said, noting that Hong Kong has always been a staunch supporter of the multilateral trading system and opposes any country imposing measures or restrictions that undermine normal trade or business operations. 

“All companies registered in Hong Kong are required to operate in accordance with the Laws of Hong Kong and, if outside Hong Kong, the local regulations. The HKSAR Government has never interfered in the commercial operation of Hong Kong companies," said the HKSAR spokesperson said.

Global Times