Backed by the U.S. Embassy, the Assembly Forms a Coalition to Confront ‘Chinese Influence’
Panama has officially joined the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), an international coalition of legislators from democratic countries seeking to counter the influence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), with the help of course, from the US Embassy. The announcement was made during an event at the National Assembly, attended by the United States ambassador to Panama, Kevin Cabrera. The IPAC currently integrates more than 27 legislatures and the European Parliament, with a network exceeding 240 members. Its mission is to safeguard the rules-based international order, defend human rights, promote fair trade, strengthen security, and protect national integrity from undue influence through investment and development projects.
During his remarks, Ambassador Cabrera emphasized that Panama’s membership in IPAC reinforces shared values such as democracy and freedom. “It’s a group where we discuss what unites us with Panama, the United States, and many other countries. The United States is an ally and a friend, and we will continue to be here to support our friends,” he said. The diplomat warned that the CCP’s influence is evident around the world, from cyberattacks in Central European and Latin American countries to economic practices that generate significant debt. In this regard, he mentioned the case of a Chinese-owned company that owes the Panamanian government $600 million, a figure confirmed by the Comptroller General’s Office.
On the part of Panama, the deputies who make up the IPAC are: Jorge Bloise Iglesias, Francisco Brea Tristán, Manuel Cohen Salerno, Ronald De Gracia Moreno, Luis Duke Walker, Joan Guevara Rodríguez, Jorge Luis Herrera, José Pérez Barboni and Roberto Zúñiga Alvara. Representative Manuel Cohen emphasized that the central objective of this coalition is to “defend democracy and human rights in each of the nation’s we love,” and reiterated that the Assembly’s commitment is to safeguard the democratic system against any attempt at external interference. Cohen announced that an international IPAC meeting will be held in November where issues related to China and its effects on democratic countries will be addressed in greater detail.
