China derides U.S.
CBSFeb 08
Panama Quits China's Belt and Road
story
Above: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (C) walks next to Panama Canal Authority Administrator Ricaurte Vasquez (C-R) during a tour at the Miraflores locks of the Panama Canal in Panama City on Feb. 2, 2025. Image copyright: Mark Schiefelbein/Contributor/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
Panama officially announced its withdrawal from China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) through a formal 90-day notice submitted to Beijing on Thursday, to which China responded by accusing it of caving to US "pressure and coercion."
The announcement followed a visit by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Panamanian Pres. José Raúl Mulino. Rubio reportedly threatened potential retaliation if Panama didn't reduce Chinese influence over the area — a claim Mulino denied.
Mulino publicly questioned the benefits of the BRI agreement, asking, "What has it [the initiative] brought to Panama all these years?" He also emphasized that this was his own decision.
The Spin
Pro-China narrative
The US' threats against Panama reveal a control agenda, not concern for neutrality. Rubio's coercion contrasts with China's Belt and Road Initiative, which has shown mutual benefits through professional training programs, infrastructure, and trade. China's engagement in Panama has always been about partnership, not dominance, unlike the US' historical interventionism.
Anti-China narrative
The US rightly highlighted China's strategic maneuvers in Panama, from military ties to economic influence. Panama's decision to sever ties with Beijing was also necessary to protect its national security and sovereignty. Now, with China's influence diminished, the US and Panama should focus on cooperation, transparency, and reinforcing their historical partnership for mutual benefit.
