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This was stated at a briefing by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian, commenting on the decision of the Panamanian government to stop participating in the Chinese "One Belt, One Road" initiative, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.
"Currently, the cooperation between China and Panama under the Belt and Road Initiative is progressing normally and producing fruitful results," Lin said.
He added that Panama is a popular destination for investment from around the world and is well known for its favorable business environment for both Chinese and other foreign companies.
"The Chinese government considers the statements of the United States administration irresponsible and protested the distortion of the nature of Sino-Panamanian cooperation on the canal," the diplomat noted.
According to him, Beijing hopes that the Panamanian government will not succumb to external influence and "will make the right decisions taking into account the friendly nature of China-Panama relations and the long-term interests of the peoples of both countries."
The administration of President Donald Trump accuses China of establishing control over the Panama Canal, which is critical to American trade, and of creating threats to US interests. Washington points to two Chinese companies that, as part of the "One Belt, One Road" initiative, are building their own logistics projects in the canal zone, thanks to which they will be able to gain significant influence over its operation.
As Ukrinform reported, Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino, after talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on February 2, stated that his country's government would not extend the memorandum with China on Panama's participation in China's global infrastructure initiative "One Belt, One Road".
Moulineau also reported that the government is currently conducting an audit of ports located near the canal that are managed by Chinese companies.
