China urges US to stop 'pressuring' Latin American nations

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - China on Friday urged the US to stop "pressuring" Latin American countries after reports that the Trump administration is urging countries to follow Panama in withdrawing from its global infrastructure and investment project Belt and Road and choose between Beijing and Washington.

"Latin American and the Caribbean (LAC) countries are sovereign and independent nations. No other country has the right to interfere, issue unwarranted remarks, or apply overt or covert pressure," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told to reporters, according to the state media.

"China has always followed principles of mutual respect, equality, and win-win cooperation in developing ties with LAC countries, benefiting people on both sides," said Guo, urging Washington to "stop pressuring countries to take sides and instead focus on actions that promote regional stability and development."

Panama became the first Latin American country to join Belt and Road in 2017. The country announced its withdrawal this February, after a visit by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also toured the Panama Canal.

The agreement, signed in 2017, was set to automatically renew every three years, with the next renewal scheduled for 2026. However, either party could terminate it with a three-month notice.

The Trump administration has stressed the need to reduce China’s influence over the Panama Canal and expressed his interest to take back its control.​​​​​