China has said it regrets Panama’s decision to pull out of the Belt and Road Initiative, accusing the US of “smearing” and “sabotaging” its flagship international project. This comes after a tumultuous diplomatic tussle over the Central American nation’s canal. US President Donald Trump has insisted that the US should control the Panama Canal, claiming that the waterway has fallen under Chinese influence. Panama’s president has denied the withdrawal from the BRI is the result of pressure from Washington, while China has urged Panama to reconsider. Olivia Siong reports from Beijing and Nick Harper reports from Washington DC.
