Panama has officially withdrawn from China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), making it the first Latin American nation to leave the infrastructure project. This decision, announced by President Jose Raul Mulino, comes amid growing tensions between the US and China, with the US accused of exerting pressure on Latin American countries to curb Chinese influence. China criticized the US for its actions, calling it a display of 'hegemonic nature' and accusing it of sabotaging international cooperation. The BRI, launched in 2013, has seen participation from over 150 countries, with China viewing it as crucial for global influence.
Beijing firmly opposes the United States using pressure and coercion to smear and undermine Belt and Road cooperation, said Lin Jian in a statement.
Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino said his country has formally lodged a notice that it will leave the project, following a visit by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
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