Amid rising Trump pressure, Panama withdraws from China’s Belt and Road Initiative

China is opposed to U.S. "smearing and sabotage" of the Belt and Road Initiative in Panama through "pressure and coercion", its foreign ministry said on Friday (February 7, 2025), after the South American nation decided to exit the programme.

At a regular press briefing, a ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, said China deeply regretted Panama's decision.

"We hope that Panama will make the right decision based on the overall situation of bilateral relations and the long-term interests of the two peoples, and eliminate external interference," he added.