Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that Latin American countries seek independence and autonomy, not the Monroe Doctrine, amidst U.S. pressures on Panama to distance itself from China. Wang emphasized that cooperation between China and Latin American countries is based on the principle of equal treatment, without geopolitical calculations or the pursuit of a sphere of influence.
During a press conference at the annual meeting of the National People's Congress of China, Wang stressed that the Latin American region is not anyone's backyard. He asserted that it is fundamental to respect the will of the Latin American people and to offer them reliable prospects for their revitalization.
The Chinese Foreign Minister highlighted the achievements of cooperation between China and Latin America through mechanisms such as the China-Latin America Forum, and anticipated that both will continue promoting their collaboration this year to rise to a new level. China has rejected Donald Trump's accusations regarding its alleged control of the Panama Canal, calling them false.
Last November, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Latin America advocating for free trade and tariff reductions for less developed countries maintaining relations with China. Meanwhile, Trump has sought to impose tariffs on products from both China and Latin American nations like Mexico.
