China has strongly opposed U.S. efforts to undermine the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), accusing the U.S. of using forceful tactics to sabotage the cooperation. Additionally, China expressed disappointment over Panama’s decision not to extend the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the BRI.
This statement was made by Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian during a regular virtual press conference in Beijing on Friday. His remarks came after Panama’s President, José Mulino, announced that he had instructed the government to send a 90-day notice for withdrawing from the Belt and Road cooperation agreement with China.
Lin stated, “China firmly opposes the U.S. smear and sabotage of Belt and Road cooperation through the means of pressuring and coercion, and deeply regrets Panama’s decision to not renew the MoU on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).”
He highlighted that the BRI is a global economic initiative involving more than 150 countries, including over 20 Latin American and Caribbean nations, with many countries, including Panama, benefiting from its outcomes.
“Over the years, China and Panama’s collaboration within the BRI has resulted in tangible and positive outcomes for both nations,” he added. “We hope Panama will consider the broader bilateral relationship and long-term benefits for both peoples, avoid external interference, and make a wise decision.”
Lin also addressed the timing of Panama’s withdrawal from the agreement, coinciding with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit, suggesting China had responded accordingly.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Panama, their bilateral ties have grown rapidly, with both nations achieving substantial progress under the BRI framework.
During the press conference, Lin also discussed China’s ongoing efforts in global Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance. He revealed that Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing would attend the AI Action Summit on global governance in France from February 9 to 12.
“China is an active advocate and practitioner of AI global governance,” Lin explained, noting President Xi Jinping’s Global Initiative for AI governance announced in October 2023. He also mentioned a joint declaration between China and France on AI governance, made during Xi’s visit to France in May 2024, in which China expressed its willingness to participate in the AI Action Summit in 2025.
Zhang’s attendance at the Summit as Xi’s special representative is part of China’s commitment to advancing the development and security of AI globally. Lin emphasized that the summit aims to foster global cooperation and enhance communication on AI governance.
“We look forward to working with all countries to shape a framework for AI governance that is based on broad consensus and benefits everyone,” he concluded.
