China tells US that statement of support for Panama over ship detentions is 'unfounded'

China has strongly refuted accusations from the United States and several Latin American nations regarding its maritime trade practices, labeling their joint statement of support for Panama as 'unfounded.' As reported by TVN Panamá, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, directly challenged the U.S. narrative, questioning its historical role in Panama and accusing it of hypocrisy and politicizing international trade.

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those declarations are completely unfounded and distort the reality

The dispute centers on tensions surrounding maritime trade and Panama's recent Supreme Court decision that declared the concession of the Cristóbal and Balboa port terminals unconstitutional. The U.S. and its allies issued a statement warning against 'selective economic pressure' from China, which they claim has affected Panamanian-flagged vessels. This framing positions China as an aggressor attempting to exert undue influence.

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Who occupied the Panama Canal for a long time, invaded Panama by force and arbitrarily trampled on its sovereignty and dignity?

However, China's response, as articulated by Lin Jian, is a direct counter-offensive. He not only dismissed the accusations but also turned the tables on the U.S., asking who historically occupied the Panama Canal and "arbitrarily trampled on its sovereignty." This rhetorical strategy aims to undermine the credibility of the U.S. position by highlighting its own past actions and perceived imperialistic tendencies in the region.

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Who covets the Panama Canal, intends to turn this international waterway that should be permanently neutral into its own ditch, and despises the sovereignty of regional countries?

From a Panamanian perspective, the situation is complex. While the government acknowledges the international support, President José Raúl Mulino has sought to downplay the detentions of Panamanian-flagged vessels in China, suggesting they are routine maritime security inspections rather than political retaliation. This stance attempts to de-escalate the situation and avoid further entanglement in the geopolitical rivalry between China and the U.S., while still asserting Panama's sovereign rights and its crucial role in global shipping through the Panama Canal.

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The United States is the one that has politicized and turned the issue of ports into a security issue; the one that acts with hypocrisy, spreads rumors and discredits everywhere is also the United States.