Chinese monument is demolished in Panama and generates political crisis under pressure from Trump

Chinese monument is demolished in Panama and generates political crisis under pressure from Trump Amid pressure from Donald Trump on the Panama Canal, the demolition of a Chinese monument at the entrance to the interoceanic route turned into a serious political impasse. The collapse of the structure, which took place on Saturday night (27), exposes the growing tension between the interests of Washington and Beijing in the region. The “paifang” type structure was located at the viewpoint of the Bridge of the Americas and was accompanied by an obelisk and two lion statues. Reproduction Networks The structure was located at the viewpoint of the Bridge of the Americas. The Chinese government and the Panamanian presidency reacted with indignation to the measure. The president of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, classified the action as “barbarity” and an “act of unforgivable irrationality”. He stated that there was no justification for the destruction and ordered an immediate investigation into the case. Mulino also ordered the Ministry of Culture to coordinate the restoration of the monument in the same location. See the videos that are trending on g1 Initial plugin text The mayor of Arraiján, Stefany Peñalba, defended the decision citing “technical criteria”. According to the city hall, the monument had structural damage and corroded bases that posed a risk to tourists. Peñalba stated that the removal is part of a project to modernize the viewpoint and denied political motivations. Initial plugin text Geopolitical tensions on the Channel The episode occurs at a time of strong pressure from the United States. Donald Trump has already threatened to regain control of the Panama Canal, claiming that the route is under Beijing’s influence. Currently, the Hong Kong company Hutchison Holdings operates ports at both ends of the channel and, under American pressure, agreed to sell its terminals to a conglomerate led by the US company BlackRock. China’s ambassador to Panama, Xu Xueyuan, declared this a “dark day” for the Chinese-Panamanian community. She stated that history will remember the pain caused to binational friendship. Initial plugin text The Panama Canal is vital to the global economy, concentrating 5% of world maritime trade. The United States and China are the main users. The 80 km route was under American control between 1914 and 1999, when it passed into Panamanian hands. The impasse around the monument symbolizes the dispute for influence on one of the most strategic trade routes in the world, today divided between American historical heritage and Chinese economic expansion.

Source link