Beijing has expressed strong condemnation following the demolition of a memorial at the Panama Canal entrance, a structure symbolizing friendship between China and Panama. Chinese authorities are demanding a full explanation from the Panamanian government regarding the circumstances surrounding the destruction.
The incident occurred amidst reported pressure from the United States to reduce Chinese influence around the canal. The municipality of Arraiján, located at the canal’s eastern entrance, ordered the demolition of the traditional Chinese gate, built on the Bridge of the Americas, a large metal structure spanning the waterway.
According to a statement released by the municipality, the memorial, erected in 2004, had suffered structural damage, posing a ‘danger’ to public safety. However, this explanation has been met with skepticism in China.
A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that China ‘strongly condemns the forced demolition by local authorities… of a memorial commemorating China’s contributions to the Panama Canal.’ The statement was posted on social media.
The spokesperson further emphasized that ‘This monument was a testament and memorial to the long-standing friendship between China and Panama, as well as the immense contribution of Chinese workers who crossed oceans to Panama in the 19th century to participate in the construction of… the Panama Canal, some even paying with their lives while working.’ It added, ‘This monument also bears witness to the integration of Chinese people into the heart of the local community.’
China’s Ambassador to Panama, Xu Xueyuan, expressed her regret following the demolition, calling it a ‘dark day’ for the 300,000 Chinese-Panamanians. She conveyed her ‘deep sadness for the friendship’ between the two countries, asserting that ‘history will remember this.’
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has stated that ‘China has lodged a formal protest with Panama… demanding that it clarify the matter, correct the mistakes of the local government, and address the consequences as soon as possible.’
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino, commenting on the incident, described it as an ‘unjustifiable barbaric act’ and an ‘irrational and unforgivable act,’ calling for the immediate reconstruction of the memorial in its original location.
The incident occurs at a time of heightened geopolitical sensitivity surrounding the Panama Canal.
