US Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised Panama's recent decision to allow its participation in China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to expire, viewing it as a significant enhancement of US-Panama relations. During his visit as part of his first overseas trip under Donald Trump, Rubio pressured Panama to distance itself from China, citing concerns about debt trap diplomacy. President Jose Raul Mulino confirmed the expiration of the agreement, originally signed in 2017 when Panama shifted diplomatic ties from Taiwan to China, asserting this development bolsters regional security and prosperity.
The decision by Panama to let its participation in China's Belt and Road Initiative expire marks a significant shift in its international alliances and strengthens ties with the United States.
Rubio emphasized that this move was a win for Washington against Beijing's alleged debt trap diplomacy, which seeks to expand China's global influence through infrastructure investments.
#us-panama-relations #belt-and-road-initiative #marco-rubio #china-diplomacy #international-relations
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