The Chinese embassy in Panama expressed extreme shock, strong indignation, and firm opposition to the Arraiján municipal government's forced demolition of the China-Panama Friendship Park and a monument commemorating Chinese migrants. The demolition occurred late on December 27, 2025, without prior notice or consultation with the Chinese community, despite unanimous opposition from overseas Chinese representatives on site. The action has brutally trampled on the sentiments of Panama's 300,000 Chinese nationals and descendants, severely harming friendly feelings between the Chinese and Panamanian peoples.
Late on December 27, 2025, the municipal government of Arraiján in Panama forcibly demolished the China-Panama Friendship Park and its monument without any prior notice, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Chinese people in Panama. The Chinese embassy in Panama issued a statement on December 29, expressing extreme shock, strong indignation, and firm opposition to the incident.
The embassy noted that the demolition ignored communications from Chinese community organizations, which had engaged with the Arraiján city government as early as 2024 but received no substantive response. The embassy had also conveyed goodwill to support the park's renovation, only to be met with silence. The statement said: "The move not only brutally trampled on the collective sentiments of the 300,000 Chinese nationals and people of Chinese descent in Panama, but also severely harmed the friendly feelings of the Chinese people toward the Panamanian people."
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian stated on December 29 that China was "seriously dissatisfied" with the Arraiján authorities, describing the demolition as "egregious" and saying it had deeply hurt the Chinese community while undermining bilateral goodwill. Chinese laborers helped build the Panama Railroad and Canal in the 19th century, and the memorial symbolized their contributions. The park reportedly needed repairs, and Beijing deemed the demolition as "hurting the broad interests of China-Panama friendship."
China urged a thorough investigation into the incident and strict accountability for any illegal acts that undermined Panama's historical heritage and social unity and stability. It also called on the Arraiján municipal government to restore the China-Panama Park and the Chinese memorial at the original site after consultation with Chinese community groups.
