China's ambassador to Panama, Xu Xueyuan, has urged the United States to "learn to respect" other countries after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited the Panama Canal zone on February 3, 2025, to address concerns about Chinese influence over the waterway.
Xu, emphasizing that Panama-China relations are based on "equality, respect, and mutual benefit," described the US delegation's visit as causing a "great stir." She reiterated Beijing's commitment to upholding the "permanent neutrality" of the Panama Canal.
The ambassador highlighted that China has collaborated with Panama within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative to "address, discuss, and share" with the aim of "benefiting the populations of both countries." She also stated that China has not yet joined the Torrijos-Carter treaty because Taiwan is a signatory, which she considers a "historical error."
Xu asserted that all countries have the right to develop their diplomatic ties independently, free from pressure from other nations. She concluded by saying that if the US wants to create a "golden age" for America, it must first respect other countries and listen to the perspectives of Latin American nations.