In a spirited press briefing on Wednesday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun accused the United States of stoking Panama Canal-related issues to mask its own strategic ambitions.
The comments responded to incisive Panamanian media reports exposing alleged U.S. plans for a long-term military presence and potential economic exploitation, framed around a fabricated "China threat." Panamanian outlets warned that such moves could harm the country's interests and regional stability.
“No amount of lies can cover up its ambition to control the canal,” Guo Jiakun said, urging Washington to stop smearing China and obstructing normal exchanges between China and Latin American countries, including Panama.
Why It Matters
The Panama Canal is a vital artery, handling around 14,000 ships annually and moving over 6 percent of global trade. Any shift in control could ripple through supply chains, affecting electronics, agriculture and fashion. For digital nomads and entrepreneurs, these tensions underscore how geopolitical shifts can influence shipping costs, delivery times and even travel plans.
Regional Reactions
Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino has publicly rejected allegations of Chinese intervention. Latin American observers warn that renewed U.S. military footprints may rekindle concerns over sovereignty and economic independence.
Looking Ahead
As China urges the United States to focus on actions that foster regional development and prosperity, global citizens are left weighing how superpower rivalries over key waterways could shape the future of trade, connectivity and cross-cultural exchange.
Reference(s):
China says lies cannot hide U.S. desire to control Panama Canal
cgtn.com
