Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said Wednesday that the recent comments by Panama's media have sharply exposed the true nature of U.S. hegemony, pointing to its ambitions to control the Panama Canal.
Guo commented at a press conference when a reporter brought up Panama's media criticism of the U.S. interference and hegemonic actions in Central America, hyping a fabricated "China threat" in the country to control the Canal. The Panamanian media also slammed the U.S. plan to build a long-term military presence, which could further hurt Panama's interests.
"The comments made by Panama's media have accurately exposed the essence of U.S. hegemonic behavior. The U.S. has fabricated the lie of 'China controlling the Panama Canal' and maliciously attacked China, which is merely an excuse to justify its control over the Canal and push forward its expansionist and 'Monroe Doctrine'-style hegemonic agenda. The international community and the people of Panama see this very clearly. Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino also rejected the false claim of Chinese interference because this is not based on facts," Guo said.
"No lie can conceal the United States' ambitions to control the Panama Canal. We again urge the U.S. to stop manipulating China-related issues, cease its attacks and smear campaigns against China, and halt its interference with normal exchanges and cooperation between China and Latin American countries, including Panama. The U.S. should focus on actions that truly benefit regional and global development and prosperity," said the spokesman.
No lie can conceal US ambition over Panama Canal: spokesman
China is willing to strengthen communication, enhance trust, eliminate interference, and deepen cooperation with Canada to bring bilateral relations forward on a steady and sound track in solid strides under the new circumstances, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand in Beijing on the day.
Referring to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to China, the first by a Canadian prime minister in eight years, Wang said the trip marks a milestone in bilateral ties and signals a turning point in the relationship.
The leaders of the two countries will hold meetings and talks, which are expected to open up new prospects for bilateral relations, said Wang.
The world today is undergoing profound and complex changes, and the impact of China-Canada relations transcends the bilateral scope, Wang noted.
Wang said that China and Canada have different social systems, stemming from different historical and cultural heritage, and based on the choices of their respective people.
He urged both sides to view each other in a rational and amicable manner with an inclusive mindset, handle issues on the basis of mutual respect, focus on the agenda of cooperation, and send positive messages so as to foster optimism, inject greater confidence into the development of bilateral relations, and jointly build a new type of strategic partnership between China and Canada.
Anand said the new Canadian government attaches great importance to relations with China. She also added that Prime Minister Carney looks forward to engaging in in-depth exchanges with Chinese leaders during the visit to set the course for the development of bilateral relations, resume dialogue in various fields, pursue more mutually beneficial outcomes, enhance coordination and cooperation in multilateral affairs, and further advance the strategic partnership between the two countries.
China ready to work for steady, sound ties with Canada: FM
