Photo: Screenshot from the WeChat account of the Chinese Embassy in Panama

 
During a press conference at his official residence on Thursday, US Ambassador to Panama Kevin Cabrera claimed that "First among my priorities will be to strengthen our joint work to counter harmful influences in the region, such as that of China," Reuters reported on Thursday. In response, the Chinese Embassy in Panama issued a statement on Friday, stating that to effectively fulfill its duties, US Embassy should do more things that are welcomed by Panama, rather than targeting China.

US Ambassador to Panama Kevin Cabrera arrived in the country late last month, according to Reuters.

According to the Chinese Embassy in Panama, the actions of the US Embassy violate the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which stipulates that the responsibilities of an embassy are to promote friendly relations between the sending state and the receiving state and to strengthen cooperation in various fields, without any mention of "countering the influence of a third country," a spokesperson from the Chinese Embassy in Panama said in the statement.

The Chinese Embassy stated that accusations against China contradict basic facts, noting that Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino has repeatedly clarified the so-called "Chinese control of the canal" and "Chinese influence."

The statement said that China-Panama cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative has produced significant results, making a positive contribution to the development of Panama and the well-being of its people, and these facts cannot be denied.

The statement noted that Chinese authorities are conducting anti-monopoly reviews of the ports deal in accordance with the law, fully complying with international practices. It also emphasized that China firmly opposes the use of economic coercion and bullying to infringe upon and harm the legitimate rights and interests of other countries.

Regarding cybersecurity, it is well known who is engaged in global surveillance and monitoring, and who is the largest source of cyberattacks in the world, according to the statement.

It believes most Panamanians understand that, historically, the greatest harm to Panama has come from the US, which continues to threaten the country's sovereignty and talk about "reclaiming" the canal, according to the statement.

According to AP, Panamanian President Mulino said Thursday that he will not renegotiate an agreement with the United States to give US troops access to Panamanian facilities.

Global Times