The US is Choosing to Replace the Chinese Huawei Telecommunications Towers in Panama, and the Panama Government is Complying

The US is claiming that the tower replacement is necessary to counter China’s malign influence.  The U.S. Embassy in Panama announced this Wednesday, June 11, that, in conjunction with the Ministry of Public Security, it will replace telecommunications equipment from the Chinese company Huawei—installed in 13 locations across the country—with U.S. technology considered more secure. 

This $8 million project, funded by the United States, will add seven new communications towers in four provinces, significantly expanding coverage, he added. “Once the project is completed in approximately two years, Panamanian security institutions will have the ability to control and manage their own telecommunications systems, strengthening shared security and reinforcing the relationship between the United States and Panama,” he reported.