Panama has withdrawn from China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), making it the first Latin American nation to do so. The decision was announced by President José Raúl Mulino after a visit by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The move is seen as a response to growing pressure from Washington, which aims to counterbalance China’s expanding global influence. By exiting the BRI, Panama signals its intention to maintain its independence and avoid being drawn into China’s vast economic and strategic network.
Panama’s exit from the BRI has significant implications for China’s plans to establish itself as a major player in international trade and diplomacy. As the first Latin American nation to leave the initiative, Panama sets an important precedent for other countries in the region to follow suit.
Source: https://www.voanews.com/a/voa-mandarin-china-reacts-to-panama-quitting-bri/7962106.html