China on Monday condemned the demolition of a monument honoring the Chinese community in Panama, the latest development as the Trump administration pushes for the Central American nation to distance itself from Beijing.
Panama’s president echoed the condemnation, blaming local authorities and pledging that the monument would be rebuilt.
Overnight, videos circulated on social media showing large excavators tearing down the monument, which commemorated 150 years of Chinese presence in Panama and Chinese migrants who helped build railroads and the Panama Canal.
Erected in 2004 with traditional Chinese architectural elements — including a ceremonial arch, curved roof tiles and stone lions — it stood at a scenic overlook near the Panama Canal.
By morning, construction workers were removing the leftover rubble. All that was left of the monument were two broken stone lions placed next to the curb.
The Chinese Embassy in Panama accused the local authorities in Panama of having “brazenly and forcibly demolished” the monument and “seriously damaged the friendly sentiments of the Chinese people towards the Panamanian people.”
China on Monday condemned the demolition of a monument honoring the Chinese community in Panama, the latest development as the Trump administration pushes for the Central American nation to distance itself from Beijing.
Panama’s president echoed the condemnation, blaming local authorities and pledging that the monument would be rebuilt.
Overnight, videos circulated on social media showing large excavators tearing down the monument, which commemorated 150 years of Chinese presence in Panama and Chinese migrants who helped build railroads and the Panama Canal.
Erected in 2004 with traditional Chinese architectural elements — including a ceremonial arch, curved roof tiles and stone lions — it stood at a scenic overlook near the Panama Canal.
By morning, construction workers were removing the leftover rubble. All that was left of the monument were two broken stone lions placed next to the curb.
The Chinese Embassy in Panama accused the local authorities in Panama of having “brazenly and forcibly demolished” the monument and “seriously damaged the friendly sentiments of the Chinese people towards the Panamanian people.”
