Many outraged by Panama's demolition of Chinese monument

已複製連結

China condemned the demolition of a monument honouring the Chinese community in Panama. 

Erected in 2004 with traditional Chinese architectural elements, it stood at a scenic overlook near the Panama canal. 

Large excavators were seen tearing down the monument, which commemorated 150 years of Chinese presence in Panama, and celebrated Chinese workers who helped build railroads and the Panama Canal. 

The office of the local government, the Arraijan mayorship, said the monument was demolished because it presented "structural risks" for public safety. 

Xu Xueyuan, the Chinese ambassador to Panama, said "this monument, which held 171 years of life, blood, and dedication from the Chinese community, has been shattered to pieces." 

Many Panamanians and Chinese were angry with the demolition. One tourist guide said the Chinese helped build Panama's interoceanic railway, and is helping with the country's economy. 

Even Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino said there was no justification for the "barbarity" of the demolition and vowed to rebuild the monument.