US' remarks on Panama Canal issue irresponsible, intentionally distort relevant cooperation: Chinese FM

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

Lin Jianspokesperson

Currently, the cooperation between China and Panama under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative is proceeding normally,

ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a press briefing when asked about Panama's decision to let its involvement in the infrastructure plan expire

We hope that the relevant parties will remain confident, not be influenced by external interference, and make the right decisions based on the overall bilateral relationship and the long-term interests of the people of both countries,

Lin said

The only time the canal was blocked in history was not by a foreign adversary, but by the US itself."

Xu went on to address the canal again, saying

Donald Trumppresident

What they've done is terrible. They violated the agreement. They are not allowed to violate the agreement. China is running the Panama Canal. That was not given to China. That was given to Panama, foolishly. But they violated the agreement. And we're going to take it back or something very powerful is going to happen."

President Donald Trump told reporters on Sunday

Panama is so important to the US that it cannot tolerate Panama cooperating with China. The US established diplomatic relations with China in 1979, so why does Panama's decision to do the same 38 years later make the US furious? The establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Panama was transparent, free of backroom deals or financial incentives. The US-China trade volume is as high as $688.28 billion, and more than 70,000 US businesses have investments in China. Why does the US view Chinese enterprises operating in Panama as a threat?"

She said

That provides more legal framework for Panama to wiggle out of the concessions and for Panama to reopen them such that an American company or a European company might come in and win the bid,

Berg said

Marco Rubiosecretary of State

We don’t want to have a hostile or negative relationship with Panama,

Rubio said

I don't feel that there is any real threat at this time against the treaty, its validity, or much less of the use of military force to seize the canal,

Mulino told reporters

It was not given to China. It was given to Panama foolishly,

he told reporters as he returned to Washington from a weekend in Florida

Sovereignty over the canal is not in question,

he said, proposing technical-level talks with Washington to clear up concerns

Marco Rubiosecretary of State

It was a worthwhile visit and very respectful. It is one that I think is going to achieve potentially good things that assuage concerns we have,

Rubio told reporters after arriving from Panama in El Salvador

Nayib Bukelepresident

Cutting this so-called aid isn't just beneficial for the United States; it's also a big win for the rest of the world,

Bukele wrote

China's running the Panama Canal,

Trump insisted on Sunday

Marco Rubiosecretary of State

Yesterday's announcement by President @JoseRaulMulino that Panama will allow its participation in the CCP's Belt and Road Initiative to expire is a great step forward for U.S.-Panama relations, a free Panama Canal, and another example of @POTUS leadership to protect our national security and deliver prosperity for the American people,

Rubio posted on X after departing the country

Fu Congthe UN ambassador

The smear campaign that is launched by the U.S. and some of the other Western countries on the Belt and Road Initiative is totally groundless,

Fu told a news conference in New York