The United States may be targeting "weak links" in Chinese-backed initiatives or groupings to cut Beijing's growing influence as part of an emerging strategy during President Donald Trump's second term,

The Latin American country pulled out of Beijing’s infrastructure project in the face of strong pressure from the United States.

China firmly opposes U.S. "smearing and sabotage" of its Belt and Road Initiative through "means of pressure and coercion", a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Friday, when asked about Panama's decision to exit the programme.