This monument declaring “China-Panama Friendship” is situated on a mountain over-looking the Panama Canal (in fact, from what I have read regarding travelogues, this mountain it is quite remote and difficult to access) – and Trump believes this symbolises a Chinese declaration of “control” of the Canal. The Park was built in 2004 by funds raised by various overseas Chinese organisations – with support from the Mainland Chinese government (which provided two stone lions). Chinese people first arrived in Panama in 1854 (during the Qing Dynasty – probably fleeing the highly destructive Taiping Uprising and the Hakka-Punti Clan Wars). Indeed, this park is officially termed the “150th Anniversary Monument to the Arrival of Chinese in Panama” (1854-2004). Ironically, Panama declared (also in 2004) that “March 30th” would be “Chinese People Day” (华人日 – Hua Ren Ri). The way things are going, I suspect “Chinese People Day” will soon be abolished. I have been agitating for years that China should stop using US English in its translations – the language of the enemy.
SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR) 