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 For Immediate Release
Apr 24, 2001 Contact: Press Office
202-646-5172
CIA WARNS OF CHINESE COMMUNIST INFLUENCE IN PANAMA

Confidential Document Cites “Beijing Proxies”

Document Uncovered In Judicial Watch FOIA – Undermines Secretary of State Colin Powell’s Statements on Chinese Activities in Panama

(Washington, DC) Judicial Watch, the public interest law firm that investigates and prosecutes government abuse and corruption, uncovered a CIA document warning of the Chinese Communist presence in Panama. The previously confidential (and heavily redacted) document, entitled “Panama Facing Economic Impact of US Withdrawal,” notes:

Some Chinese companies – perhaps proxies for Beijing – are investigating the investment opportunities. Beijing may use expanded investment as leverage to undermine Panama’s diplomatic ties to Taiwan.
The July 25, 1998 then goes on to describe how “a subsidiary of Hong Kong’s Hutchinson Whampoa in 1996 won concessions to operate ports on both ends of the Canal.” The document was produced last month under the Freedom of Information Act in response to a request of August 12, 1999.

Other intelligence documents uncovered by Judicial Watch last year linked Hutchinson Whampoa owner Li Ka Shing to the Chinese Communist government, saying that “Li is directly connected to Beijing and is willing to use his business influence to further the aims of the Chinese government.” Secretary of State Colin Powell had stated recently that China poses no threat in Panama.

“The Clinton-Gore Administration lied when it told the American people there was nothing to be worried about concerning Chinese communist influence in Panama. Now we hope Secretary of State Powell checks with the CIA and other intelligence agencies before he makes any more statements concerning Communist Chinese intentions in Panama,” stated Judicial Watch Chairman and General Counsel Larry Klayman.

A copy of the newly uncovered CIA document will be made available on Judicial Watch’s Internet site at www.judicialwatch.org.

Click HERE to view the CIA document.

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