Trend that hit apex under Varela underscores the problem here. He was CHINA’s “bitch”!!!
- By : James Bryson
- Category : International Relations

Loudly chanting the slogan “Make America Great Again” (MAGA), an American delegation visited Panama, bringing with it a greater impact than a tropical storm.
Panama welcomed the delegation with all due protocol, and from Tocumen Airport to the capital, beautiful national flags waved. A senior US official excitedly announced that, after taking office, the US Secretary of State would visit Latin America on his first official trip, stopping in Panama, marking the prelude to a golden era for the Americas! Wow, those sounds so exciting that we should all celebrate with joy! However, Panamanians are feeling restless and whispering to each other: What are they doing here?
Panama is undoubtedly extremely important to the United States. Otherwise, it would not have built the Canal here and controlled the Canal Zone for 85 years, and it would not now be seeking to regain that control. It would also not have sent 27,000 troops to invade Panama in 1989, and perhaps, according to the US authorities themselves, it would not rule out the possibility of sending troops again in the future. Of course, the United States also has its interests related to investments, trade and citizens in Panama.
Panama is so important to the United States that the United States cannot tolerate Panama cooperating with China. The United States established diplomatic relations with China in 1979, and why, when Panama did the same 38 years later, did the United States react with such fury? The establishment of relations between China and Panama was transparent and honest, without any covert operations or money transactions.
Trade volume between China and the United States reaches 688.28 billion dollars, and more than 70,000 American companies have invested in China. Why, then, does the United States see the operations of Chinese companies in Panama as a huge threat?
China and Panama are new friends, but they also share a long history. 170 years ago, the Chinese came to Panama to participate in the construction of the interoceanic railway, the remains of which, according to popular Panamanian sayings, still lie under the sleepers. For more than 170 years, economic, trade and cultural exchanges between China and Panama have continued to develop.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China has never brought fear to Panama, but rather equality, respect and mutual benefit, as well as more development opportunities, including those within the framework of the “Belt and Road” to do more business, build more roads and bridges for the greater benefit of the people, guided by the principles of Consultation, Contribution and Benefits for All. The huge Chinese market of 1.4 billion people has been opened to agricultural products such as pork, beef, chicken, pineapple and coffee from Panama, and nearly 9,000 Panamanians trained in China are playing a commendable role in all walks of life in the country.
The Canal has become the focus of US anger: “Panama, you have not managed it well, you charge exorbitant tariffs and you also allow Chinese companies to operate the ports. If you do not take immediate steps to change, I will act!” Yes, the US actions against Panama are fresh in memory. In history, the only time the Canal was closed was not by any other country, but by invasion by the United States itself! The canal is a crucial waterway that ensures the flow of world trade.
The only party that has threatened the canal is the United States, which is not only a threat to Panama, but also to the entire world. Respecting the permanent neutrality of the canal is a solemn commitment of China. The reason why China cannot yet join the Canal Neutrality Treaty Protocol is that Taiwan, a province of China according to the United Nations, is still a party to the Protocol, to which, as specified in the Protocol itself, only states can become parties. This has been a historical mistake. Once Taiwan is expelled from the Protocol, accession of the People’s Republic of China will not be a problem.
It is not China itself that does not want China to join, but the United States, because it will never allow this mistake to be corrected. In the international community, all countries are equal and have the right to develop diplomatic relations autonomously. No one has the right to give orders or dictate guidelines to other countries. If the United States wants to create a “golden era” for the Americas, it must first respect other countries and ask the people of Latin America what kind of era they want.
The author is the ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in Panama
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