Beijing has expressed strong opposition to recent US statements regarding the Panama Canal, which spoke of Chinese influence in this vital waterway.Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a news briefing that the US has recently made ‘irresponsible’ remarks on the Panama Canal issue, and intentionally distorted, attacked and mischaracterized relevant cooperation, adding that ‘China firmly opposes it and made stern demarches to the US side.”Currently, cooperation between China and Panama under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is carrying out normally and has achieved fruitful outcomes,’ Lin added.Lin noted that the Chinese side hopes relevant party will strengthen confidence, resist external interruption, and make the right decision while keeping in mind the overall bilateral relations and the long-term interests of the people of the two countries.When answering another query regarding relevant Hong Kong company operating the ports near the Panama Canal, Lin said that the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) had already made a response, noting that Panama is a popular destination for international investment and has been renowned for its sound rule of law and transparent business environment.US President Donald Trump has accused China of running the Panama Canal and controlling the waterway, threatening to seize the canal, which prompted the Panamanian government to file a complaint with the UN and demand that the issue be referred to the UN Security Council (UNSC).
