Monument Honouring China’s Contribution to Panama Canal Demolished

Authorities in Arraijan, near the Panama Canal, ordered the demolition of a monument commemorating China’s contributions to the interoceanic waterway on Saturday night. The monument, built in 2004 to symbolize friendship between Panama and China, overlooked the Bridge of the Americas and had been a landmark of bilateral cooperation.

Local officials justified the move, citing structural damage that allegedly posed a safety risk. However, the demolition has drawn strong criticism from both Panamanian and Chinese leaders. Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino condemned the act, calling it “an unforgivable act of irrationality” with no justification.

China’s ambassador to Panama, Xu Xueyuan, personally inspected the site and described the demolition as “a great pain for bilateral friendship,” highlighting the insult it caused to the 300,000-strong Chinese-Panamanian community. Videos from local media showed some community members attempting to intervene but being blocked by police.

The Chinese embassy later called for a “thorough investigation” and demanded that those responsible for the “illegal, improper and vandalistic” actions be severely sanctioned. The monument’s removal comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, including US demands for preferential treatment for its vessels in the canal and threats by former President Donald Trump to retake control from Panama, citing China’s influence.

The Panama Canal, spanning 80 kilometers, handles around five percent of global maritime trade and is used predominantly by the US and China. Hong Kong-based Hutchison Holdings, which operates two major ports on the Pacific and Atlantic sides, has recently agreed to sell them to US-based BlackRock, further intensifying strategic interests in the region.

The demolition of the monument has sparked widespread concern over diplomatic relations, bilateral trust, and the symbolism of international cooperation in global trade.