US' smearing, sabotage is responsible: China on Panama exiting BRI
China has accused US of "smearing and sabotaging" Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and said it led to Panama exiting the programme. "We hope...Panama will make...right decision based on...bilateral ties and...long-term interests of the two peoples," China said. Notably, US President Donald Trump expressed his desire to retake control of Panama Canal to prevent potential Chinese influence over it.