The Chinese ambassador to Panama has publicly addressed the controversial demolition of a historic monument honoring the Chinese community. Ambassador Xu Xueyuan spoke this week about the incident that occurred on December 27, 2025, when the monument at the Bridge of the Americas viewpoint was destroyed on orders from Arraiján Mayor Stefany Peñalba.
The destruction of the structure, which commemorated 150 years of Chinese presence in Panama, sparked immediate outrage. The backlash from the local Chinese diaspora in Panama and other residents prompted an official investigation. Panama’s Ministry of Public (Prosecutor General’s Office) of Panama is now leading a probe into the legality of the mayor’s actions.
Official Investigation and Calls for Rebuilding
Ambassador Xu confirmed that Panamanian authorities have launched a formal investigation. She expressed a clear expectation that those responsible will face legal consequences for their actions.
“The relevant authorities have already initiated an investigation,” Xu stated. [Translated from Spanish] “We expect those responsible to assume the corresponding consequences.”
The ambassador also referenced a direct order from President José Raúl Mulino. She said she hopes the president’s mandate for reconstruction will be fulfilled promptly and without further delay. Xu emphasized the new monument should stand on its original site near the Bridge of the Americas.
Local officials have provided a tentative timeline for restoration. La Chorrera Mayor Eloy Chong indicated the monument should be rebuilt before March 30. That date holds deep significance for the local chinese community as it traditionally marks an annual floral offering ceremony at the site.
Cultural Significance and Community Reaction
The demolished monument served as a focal point for cultural remembrance. Each year, community leaders gathered there to place flowers in a ceremony celebrating Chinese contributions to Panamanian society. Its destruction has left plans for the 2026 commemoration in doubt, with no official word yet on how the event will proceed.
Public reaction on social media was swift and severe following the late-night demolition. The incident has strained diplomatic relations and ignited a domestic political controversy. Multiple formal complaints have been filed against Mayor Peñalba, with some groups demanding her temporary removal from office while the investigation continues.
Preliminary reports suggest the demolition operation itself cost municipal funds over nine thousand dollars. That expenditure, authorized for destroying a culturally significant landmark, has drawn additional criticism from fiscal watchdogs and community advocates. The investigation will likely examine both the legal authority for the demolition and the use of public resources.
President Mulino’s intervention underscores the incident’s national importance. His order to rebuild represents an attempt to mitigate diplomatic fallout and address community concerns. The coming weeks will test Panama’s commitment to preserving the heritage of all its cultural communities while holding local officials accountable for their decisions.