Panama is a country located in Central America, bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. It is known for the Panama Canal, a significant artificial waterway that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, facilitating maritime trade. The country’s capital is Panama City. Panama is characterized by a diverse ecology, with rainforests, mountains, and coastal areas, and it has a rich cultural heritage influenced by indigenous peoples, Spanish colonial history, and a blend of various ethnicities. Panama uses the US dollar as its currency alongside its own currency, the balboa. The nation has a strategic geographic position, making it an important hub for international shipping and logistics.
Panama is exiting China's Belt and Road Initiative, a significant shift in its foreign policy. This decision has incited a strong response from Beijing, highlighting rising tensions. China's Deputy Foreign…