US, Latin America countries criticise China’s retaliation over Panama Canal
Summary
Bolivia, Costa Rica, Guyana, Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States have spoken out in support of Panama after China took economic actions against Panama following a court ruling. Panama’s Supreme Court cancelled contracts giving a Hong Kong company control over key ports on the Panama Canal, leading China to detain many Panamanian ships.Key Facts
- Panama’s Supreme Court annulled contracts letting a Hong Kong company manage the Balboa and Cristobal ports on the Panama Canal.
- Six countries including the US released a statement criticizing China for economic retaliation against Panama.
- China detained almost 70 ships flagged by Panama, a significant increase compared to normal times.
- The US Secretary of State and the US Federal Maritime Commission expressed concern about China’s actions affecting Panama and US shipping.
- China called the court ruling “absurd” and accused the US of trying to damage China’s reputation in Latin America.
- Panama Ports Company, owned by the Hong Kong firm CK Hutchison, is suing Panama for over $2 billion in damages.
- Shipping companies Maersk and MSC, which took over port operations after the ruling, were summoned by China for discussions.
- US President Donald Trump had previously highlighted controlling the Panama Canal as a priority for his administration.
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