The Alaján Municipal Government forcibly demolished the China-Panama Friendship Park and the monument commemorating the 150th anniversary of Chinese immigration to Panama. The Chinese Embassy in Panama issued a statement expressing extreme shock.
Solemn Statement by the Chinese Embassy in Panama
Late on December 27, the Arraigán City Government, without any prior notice or communication with the Chinese community, brazenly demolished the China-Panama Park and the monument commemorating the 150th anniversary of Chinese immigration to Panama. These structures, located at the Americas Bridge observation deck, commemorate the century-long contributions of the Chinese community to Panama and symbolize the friendship between the Chinese and Panamanian peoples. This action was carried out despite the unanimous opposition of representatives of the local Chinese community present at the site. This act not only brutally trampled upon the collective sentiments of Panama's 300,000 overseas Chinese compatriots but also severely damaged the friendly ties between the Chinese and Panamanian peoples. The Chinese Embassy in Panama expresses extreme shock, strong indignation, and resolute opposition to this action.
171 years ago, large numbers of Chinese crossed the oceans to Panama to participate in the construction of the transcontinental railroad. Many of their remains lie buried along the canal's banks. Since then, Chinese immigrants have settled and prospered in Panama, joining other ethnic groups to become a vital force in the nation's development and progress, truly becoming Panamanians. To recognize their contributions, the Panamanian government declared March 30th as "Chinese Day" in 2004, fully embodying Panama's openness and diversity. That same year, through fundraising by the Chinese community and with financial support from the Chinese government, the China-Panama Park and the Monument Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of Chinese Arrival in Panama were completed, a gesture of respect for history. The park and monument are not the property of any single group or local government, but belong to the nation of Panama and represent a shared spiritual legacy for the peoples of both China and Panama.
To ensure the sustainable development of the China-Pakistan Friendship Park, the Chinese community began multiple communications with the Al-Raihan City Government as early as 2024, but failed to receive an effective response. Upon learning this year that the park might face demolition, the Chinese community intensified its efforts, seeking negotiations with the Al-Arahim municipal government and expressing willingness to fund the park's renovation and refurbishment. These appeals, however, fell on deaf ears. The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan also directly conveyed its goodwill to the Al-Arahim municipal government, offering support for the park's renovation, yet this too was ignored.
The unreasonable and brutal demolition of parks and monuments has drawn the high attention of Panama's central government and sparked strong indignation across society, particularly among Chinese communities. Such demolition runs counter to Panama's cultural traditions of respecting history and embracing openness and inclusivity. We fully endorse the clear statements and strong demands made by President Mulino, multiple Panamanian government departments, local governments, political parties, organizations, and the broader Panamanian public. We call upon the relevant authorities to promptly take the following measures:
I. Conduct a thorough investigation into the demolition incident and impose strict penalties on those who violate laws and regulations, undermine Panama's historical and cultural heritage, and disrupt social unity and stability.
II. Fully consult with Chinese community organizations to restore the China-Brazil Park and the Chinese Memorial Monument at their original sites.
We also call upon the broader Panamanian Chinese community to rationally defend their legitimate and reasonable rights and interests in accordance with Panamanian laws and cultural customs.
