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BEIJING, Dec. 3-- Chinese President Xi Jinping's upcoming visit to Panama will further accelerate the development of bilateral ties which has already got off to a strong start. The bond between Chinese and Panamanians was forged over 160 years ago, when the first group of Chinese laborers arrived in Panama and made indelible contributions to the construction of the Panama Canal. But it was not until in 2017 that the old acquaintances were declared as formal friends based on the one-China policy. According to Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela, establishing diplomatic ties with China was "the right thing to do." The decision was lauded by Xi as "a feat of a hero." Bilateral cooperation has been efficient since then and initial achievements were made in the past a year and half. Direct flight, with a stopover in Houston, has linked Beijing and Panama City. Feasibility studies are underway for building a rail line connecting the Panamanian capital with the west coast province of Chiriqui, to facilitate cargo shipments. The two sides are negotiating on a free trade agreement, and stepping up efforts to both grease the wheels for the flow of goods, and ease visa application process in a reciprocal way to promote tourism. Panama was also the first Latin American country to have signed a memorandum of understanding with China to promote the Belt and Road Initiative. The driving force behind such a strong partnership is not only market demands, but also the common will for win-win development. Under such circumstances, Xi's historic visit to Panama is expected to further consolidate the political mutual trust between the two countries and inject fresh impetus into the bilateral relationship. | 
