China has sent a senior-level delegation to Panama at a time when relations have been clouded by developments surrounding the Panama Canal, a move seen by observers as an attempt to “understand what is unfolding” and possibly reverse the situation.
According to Chinese state news agency Xinhua, a delegation led by Ma Hui, a vice-minister of the Communist Party’s diplomacy arm, the International Department, visited the Central American country last week, holding talks with “leaders of major political parties” and think tanks.
Both Panama and China have dismissed Trump’s claims about Chinese influence over the Panama Canal. But Panama, under mounting pressure from Washington, last month moved to withdraw from China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a decision described by Beijing as “not in the vital interests of Panama”.
Loh noted that the delegation led by Ma was from the Communist Party’s International Department rather than China’s foreign ministry – meaning it was framed as a party-to-party visit – but he added that foreign policy was likely discussed.
Source: YAHOO
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