Exercising sovereignty infuriates China. This year, Panama regained control of the Cristobal and Balboa ports, formerly operated by CK Hutchinson, a Hong Kong-based company. Beijing responded with retaliation and intimidation.
China has intensified the detention of Panamanian-flagged vessels in its ports under the pretext of state control of the port. The objective is to punish Panama after the transfer of Hutchinson’s port assets.
This is not the first time China has responded with intimidation. Let’s not forget that last year the communist nation told Mexico: “Think twice before raising any tariffs on our products.” No holds barred, and with imperial arrogance.
Mexico’s decision. The Aztec nation announced on that occasion that it would impose tariffs on 1,400 products from China, India, Turkey, and other countries. The measure seeks to protect its industries, increase consumption, and preserve 325,000 jobs.
At the Latin American and Caribbean Summit (CELAC), held in Beijing last year, China spoke of equality and inclusion, but instead prescribed threats and coercion for Panama.
We are not equal. The rhetoric of complementary and supportive partners that Xi Jinping peddles to Latin America is a farce. In practice, they act with threats, pressure, and violations of sovereignty. They have done so in poor African countries and are now repeating it in the region.
What is happening in Panama is a wake-up call for Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico. China has sold them the story that trading with the Asian dragon makes them part of a prosperous and inclusive model. In practice, it subjects them to its rules and blackmail.
China in Ecuador. Here, they have implemented the model of debt traps, the lack of oversight of projects, and the plundering of sovereign natural resources. The Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric dam is a prime example of the authoritarianism and fiasco of Chinese projects.
Beijing has been criticized for practices akin to modern slavery, both within and beyond its borders. According to international organizations like End Slavery Now, repression and human rights abuses pose a significant challenge.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has criticized what he calls “savage capitalism” and social injustices. However, Brazil and China are now being questioned about practices akin to modern-day slavery in automobile factories.
In Peru, China has consistently sought to exert dominance, control, and special treatment over infrastructure and mining projects. Disrespect for sovereignty, blackmail, and a lack of oversight of projects are commonplace.
In Guatemala, China’s trade harassment is brutal. Xi Jinping refuses to allow this Central American country to maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Blockades and trade barriers are the weapons of choice for the communist giant.
In Nicaragua, a country governed by the dictatorship of Daniel Ortega and his wife, China has devastated natural resources, polluted rivers, destroyed forests, invaded indigenous communities, and wiped out rich ecosystems.
Latin America has awakened. Bolivia imposed controls on Chinese zinc mining, Chile froze their submarine cable project, Honduras wants to re-establish ties with Taiwan, and Argentina and Peru rejected Chinese aircraft and opted for American F-16s. Congratulations.
Source: infobae
