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The United States and five Latin American nations have publicly condemned China's detention of nearly 70 Panamanian-flagged ships, describing the actions as a "blatant attempt to politicise maritime trade" and an infringement on regional sovereignty. The joint statement, released on Tuesday, comes amid rising tensions over control of the Panama Canal, one of the world's most critical shipping routes.

Coverage Comparison

Reports from multiple outlets, including Al Jazeera, Fox News, the South China Morning Post, and The Hindu, converge on the core facts: China has detained nearly 70 Panamanian-flagged vessels since early March, following a Panama Supreme Court ruling that invalidated the legal framework behind CK Hutchison's control of the Balboa and Cristobal terminals. The US Federal Maritime Commission has reportedly monitored these detentions, noting a surge "far exceeding historical norms."

The joint statement, signed by the US, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Guyana, Paraguay, and Trinidad and Tobago, expressed solidarity with Panama and pledged to monitor China's "targeted economic pressure" on Panamanian-flagged vessels. The signatories emphasized that Panama "must remain free from any undue external pressure."

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed these sentiments on social media, stating that "the sovereignty of our hemisphere is non-negotiable" and that Washington stands "in solidarity with Panama." He added that any attempts to undermine Panama's sovereignty "are a threat to us all."

China has denied the allegations, with its foreign ministry calling the statement "entirely baseless and misleading" and accusing the United States of politicizing ports. The ministry also indicated it would take steps to safeguard China's interests in Panama.

Key Claims

  • Detention of Vessels: Multiple sources report that nearly 70 Panamanian-flagged ships have been detained by Chinese authorities since March 8. The US Federal Maritime Commission has characterized this number as "far exceeding historical norms."
  • Supreme Court Ruling: Panama's Supreme Court in late January annulled contracts that had allowed a subsidiary of Hong Kong's CK Hutchison to administer the Balboa and Cristobal port terminals, deeming the agreements unconstitutional.
  • Joint Statement: The US, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Guyana, Paraguay, and Trinidad and Tobago released a joint statement on Tuesday accusing China of "targeted economic pressure" and attempting to "politicize maritime trade."
  • Panama's Response: Panama's foreign minister, Javier Martinez-Acha Vasquez, called on opposition lawmakers visiting China to convey a firm message defending Panama's sovereignty. He stressed that a court ruling "must be obeyed and must not be used as a basis for any kind of economic coercion against our merchant fleet."
  • China's Rebuttal: China's foreign ministry dismissed the accusations as "entirely baseless and misleading," accusing the US of politicizing ports and vowing to protect China's interests in Panama.

Perspectives

  • US and Regional Allies: The joint statement asserts that China's actions are a "blatant attempt to politicise maritime trade" and infringe on the sovereignty of nations in the hemisphere. They frame the dispute as a test of regional sovereignty and a broader challenge to global shipping norms.
  • China: Chinese officials deny the allegations, calling them "hypocritical" and accusing the US of politicizing global commerce. They maintain that China's actions are lawful and in response to Panama's court ruling.
  • Panama: Panama's foreign minister emphasizes the country's respect for China but insists on the primacy of its constitution and the independence of its judiciary. He rejects any economic coercion linked to the court's decision.