China Outraged by Demolition of Panama Monument

China has sharply criticized the demolition of a monument honoring Panama’s Chinese community, an incident that comes amid increased pressure from President Trump’s administration for Panama to scale back its relationship with Beijing.

The monument, which commemorated more than 150 years of Chinese presence in Panama and the contributions of Chinese migrants to the construction of railroads and the Panama Canal, was torn down earlier this week. Videos shared on social media showed heavy machinery dismantling the structure overnight. By Tuesday morning, crews were clearing debris, leaving only two damaged stone lion statues near the curb.

Built in 2004, the monument featured traditional Chinese architectural elements such as a ceremonial arch, curved roof tiles, and stone lions. It was located at a scenic overlook near the Panama Canal and had long been a symbol of the Chinese community’s historical role in the country.

The Chinese Embassy in Panama accused local authorities of having “brazenly and forcibly demolished” the monument, saying the act seriously harmed the goodwill of the Chinese people toward Panama. Chinese Ambassador Xu Xueyuan demanded an explanation in a post on X, calling the destruction of the monument an erasure of generations of sacrifice and a blow to China–Panama friendship.

President Trump has repeatedly claimed that China exerts control over the Panama Canal, which is operated by an independent authority. Panama’s government has rejected those claims, and Trump has offered little evidence to support them. His administration has nonetheless sought to counter China’s growing economic influence across Latin America, where Chinese investment has expanded significantly in recent years.

Local officials from the Arraiján mayor’s office said the monument was removed due to alleged structural risks that posed a threat to public safety, denying that the demolition was politically motivated. The statement did not explain why the work was carried out at night.

Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino strongly condemned the demolition, calling it an unjustified act of “barbarity.” He announced that the national government would rebuild the monument and ordered an immediate investigation. Mulino emphasized that the Chinese community has been part of Panama for generations and deserves respect, calling the incident irrational and unforgivable.

The demolition sparked outrage among both Panamanians and members of the Chinese community. Protesters gathered at the site, and some businesses announced temporary closures in response.

Tour guide Jaime Bustos said he was stunned when he arrived at the site with a group of Italian tourists. He highlighted the historical contributions of Chinese migrants to Panama’s railways, canal, and economy, calling the demolition a cruel and unnecessary act.

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