Beijing Condemns the Demolition of a Monument Honoring the Chinese Community in Panama

In late December 2025, a quiet corner of Panama became the epicenter of an unexpected diplomatic dispute after a monument honoring the century‑long presence of the Chinese community was demolished by local authorities — igniting strong reactions from Beijing, protests from Panamanians, and deep conversations about heritage, respect, and international friendship. �

AP News

The structure, located in the Arraiján district near the Panama Canal, was originally erected in 2004 to commemorate 150 years of Chinese contributions in Panama — a legacy that includes the labor of Chinese workers on the railroad and the world‑renowned canal itself. Designed with traditional Chinese architectural elements like a ceremonial arch, curved tiles, and stone lions, the monument stood as both a symbolic and physical testament to generations of Chinese immigrants and their impact on the country. �

AP News

But overnight, large excavators moved in. By daybreak, the monument had been reduced to rubble, leaving behind only two broken stone lions and an uproar that would extend well beyond Panama’s borders. �

AP News

An Outcry From Beijing

The Chinese government reacted swiftly and strongly. Through its foreign ministry spokesperson, China expressed serious dissatisfaction and lodged formal protests with the Panamanian government, labeling the demolition as a “seriously egregious” act that gravely hurt the feelings of the Chinese community in Panama and undermined the broader friendship between the two nations. �

The Independent +1

At a daily press briefing, Chinese officials emphasized that the monument was more than stone and tile — it represented the historical sacrifices of Chinese workers, some of whom lost their lives in the treacherous conditions of 19th‑century construction projects like the Twin Ocean Railway and the Panama Canal. Its unexpected removal, they argued, was a symbolic erasure of that history. �

en.chinadiplomacy.org.cn

The embassy also pointed out that Chinese community leaders had previously expressed interest in participating in renovation efforts and had sought dialogue before the demolition — a claim that highlights missed opportunities for cooperation and communication. �

The Independent

Panama’s Government Responds

The backlash wasn’t limited to foreign capitals. Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino publicly condemned the demolition and made it clear that the decision was not sanctioned by the national government but rather carried out by municipal authorities, specifically the Arraiján mayor’s office. He described the act as “irrational” and “unforgivable,” pledging to rebuild the monument and initiate an immediate investigation into what happened. �

The Independent

According to local officials, the structure was torn down because of supposed structural risks and public safety concerns — a justification that did not explain why the demolition occurred at night or why residents of the area were not involved in prior discussions. �

AOL

The president also reiterated Panama’s respect for the Chinese community, which has been an integral part of Panama’s multicultural fabric for more than a century. Many members of that community were deeply hurt by the incident, seeing it as a disregard for their historical presence and contributions. �

AP News

Local and Global Reactions

The demolition ignited protest activity at the former monument site, with members of the Chinese community and sympathetic Panamanians demonstrating against what they called an act of disrespect and historical erasure. Some local businesses even closed temporarily in solidarity. �

AOL

Tour guides and residents also voiced their shock. One Panamanian, recalling touring visitors to the monument only days before, described the loss as a “cruel act,” especially given the shared history of labor and cultural integration that connected China and Panama. �

AOL

Meanwhile, Chinese diaspora organizations and overseas Chinese communities across Latin America and beyond expressed solidarity and urged authorities to preserve historical memory. They emphasized that the monument was not only a local landmark but a symbol of multicultural heritage — one that transcends national borders and celebrates human stories of migration, work, and community building. �

Global Times

The Geopolitical Backdrop

This incident has unfolded against a broader backdrop of shifting geopolitical currents in the region. In recent years, China’s influence in Latin America has increased through trade, infrastructure investments, and cultural exchange — a trend that has occasionally sparked pushback from other global powers seeking influence in the Americas. �

Yahoo

The demolition occurred amid heightened rhetoric around the Panama Canal, a strategic trade artery that has become a focal point in debates about national sovereignty, foreign investment, and geopolitical competition. While Panama insists on its independence and rejects assertions that it is controlled by external powers, the symbolism of removing a China‑related monument — especially without consultation — fed into narratives of diplomatic friction and strategic recalibration. �

The Washington Post

What’s Next?

In the wake of the demolition, Panama’s federal government has committed to reconstructing the monument at its original site and to investigating the decisions of local officials. Chinese authorities have urged Panama to correct the actions and mitigate the negative impact created by the incident. �

en.chinadiplomacy.org.cn

The controversy also serves as a reminder of how monuments and memorials are not just static sculptures — they are vessels of collective memory, identity, and respect between communities and nations. Their preservation or destruction can reverberate far beyond their physical footprints, shaping diplomatic relations and domestic discourse alike.

As this story continues to unfold, the world will be watching how Panama – and the international community – navigate the sensitive intersection of historical recognition, cultural respect, and geopolitical balance.