On the 28th, the Panamanian Presidential Office issued an announcement opposing the demolition of the Chinese-Panamanian 150th Anniversary Memorial located on the observation deck of the Americas Bridge on the west bank of the Panama Canal, and ordered immediate restoration at the original site.
According to Xinhua News Agency, from the night of the 27th to the early morning of the 28th, the China-Panama Park and the 150th Anniversary of Chinese Arrival in Panama Memorial, located on the Americas Bridge observation deck in Arraiján, were forcibly dismantled. On the 28th, Panamanian President Mulino, several government officials, and multiple ministries including the Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Canal Affairs issued statements condemning the move as solely the action of the Arraiján city government and spoke highly of the memorial’s profound historical significance.
Mulino took a firm stand on social media, explicitly condemning the Arraiján city government’s actions and demanding an immediate investigation.
Mulino stated that the act had no legitimate justification and called it “an act of barbarism.” He emphasized that the Chinese community in Panama has deep historical roots in the country and has been rooted in Panama for generations, “and deserves full respect.” Mulino also stressed that an immediate investigation should be launched and described such behavior as “unforgivable.”
On the night of the 27th, the Arraiján city government had issued a statement claiming the demolition was due to structural safety risks at the site. The Panamanian Chinese community strongly opposed and condemned this.
Chinese Ambassador: Deeply Distressed
According to reports, Chinese Ambassador to Panama Xu Xueyuan expressed deep distress, saying “history will remember this moment.” The embassy also condemned the act as “undermining Panamanian historical culture and social unity and stability,” calling for an investigation and restoration of the memorial.
A Sensitive Moment Amid Geopolitical Background
According to Radio France Internationale (RFI), in recent months, U.S. President Trump has repeatedly threatened to regain control of the strategically vital Panama Canal, claiming the canal is “under Beijing’s influence,” reasoning that the Hong Kong company CK Hutchison Holdings operates the port terminals at both the Pacific and Atlantic ends of the canal through concessions.
The United States and China are the two main users of the Panama Canal. This 80-kilometer waterway handles about 5% of the world’s maritime trade. The canal was managed by the United States from 1914 to 1999, after which it was handed over to Panama.
Trump has demanded that Panama grant more favorable passage terms to U.S. ships. Under such pressure, CK Hutchison has agreed to sell the two port terminals it operates to a consortium led by the U.S. investment firm BlackRock.
China has expressed reservations about this deal. Meanwhile, Chinese companies are keeping a close watch on two new port facility projects about to be opened for public bidding.