China expresses 'deep regret' over Panama's BRI move

China expressed "deep regret" on Friday over Panama's decision to withdraw from the Belt and Road Initiative amid the pressure from the United States.

Panama announced that it will not renew its deal with China on the initiative. The decision came after a visit by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to the nation.

"China firmly opposes the US' use of pressure and coercion to smear and undermine cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative," Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a daily news conference.

Lin said the BRI is an economic cooperation initiative with more than 150 countries, including over 20 Latin American countries, actively participating in it.

In recent years, China and Panama have achieved fruitful results in their cooperation under the Belt and Road framework.

"It is hoped that Panama, considering the overall situation of bilateral relations and the long-term interests of the two peoples, will exclude external interference and make the correct decision," Lin said.