On December 6, 2018, Director-General of the Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs of the Foreign Ministry Zhao Bentang met with the second batch of visiting media delegation of public opinion leaders of Panama.

Director-General Zhao Bentang introduced President Xi Jinping's first state visit to Panama, and pointed out that during the visit, leaders of both countries fully exchanged views on bilateral relations and issues of common concern, reaching extensive consensus. They witnessed the signing of multiple bilateral cooperation documents, and issued a joint press release. President Xi Jinping's visit was publicly welcomed by seven major political parties of Panama, with positive and warm response from the public opinion. Facts have proven that the establishment of China-Panama diplomatic relations is completely correct. China-Panama relations are state-to-state relationship which focuses on the fundamental and long-term interests of the two peoples, pursues no back-room deals or exchange of interests, and does not target any third party. Whichever political party wins the election in Panama next year, the Chinese side is willing to continue promoting bilateral mutually beneficial cooperation without any distinction to propel the common development of both countries. Director-General Zhao Bentang also answered questions from the delegation.

The Panamanian side expressed that they have gained fruitful achievements from this visit to China, and stand ready to help the Chinese side delivery true information on China and Panama-China relations to the Panamanian people, so as to increase the Panamanian side's understanding of China.