China has protested to Panama over the removal on the weekend of a monument to the Chinese community, calling on Panamanian authorities to investigate the incident.
The Chinese-Panamanian Friendship Park has reportedly been in need of repair and the demolition was deemed by Beijing as “hurting the broad interests of China-Panama friendship”.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Monday that China was “seriously dissatisfied” with Arraijan authorities for the demolition of the park and its monument to Chinese migration.
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According to the Chinese embassy in Panama, the Arraijan municipal government dismantled the monument late on December 27 without prior notice or consultation with Chinese community groups.
In Beijing, Lin described the demolition as “egregious” and said it had deeply hurt the Chinese community and undermined bilateral goodwill.
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He said Chinese labourers helped build the Panama Railroad and Canal in the 19th century, and the memorial symbolised their contributions.