A monument to commemorate the local Chinese community’s contributions to Panama in the 19th century was removed on Dec. 27, 2025.
Local Panama authorities ordered the removal of the monument, which the Arraiján mayor’s office said had structural damage that posed a “safety risk.”
The Chinese regime, which only established diplomatic relations with Panama in 2017, responded strongly, amid its efforts to challenge the United States’ influence over the key route for international maritime traffic.
The monument, which overlooks the Bridge of the Americas waterway, was built in 2004 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Chinese people in Panama and their contribution to the construction of the Panama Canal and Panama Canal Railway….
Chinese Community Monument in Panama Removed Amid US–CCP Tensions
