Mulino backs foreign minister's firm stance on China at OAS

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has publicly thrown his support behind Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha following a heated diplomatic confrontation with China's ambassador at the Organization of American States (OAS) General Assembly in Panama City. Mulino declared on social media that "the defense of our interests is one and indivisible," endorsing every word his foreign minister spoke at the hemispheric forum.

The clash ignited when China's ambassador, Xie Feng, used the plenary session to address the Panamanian Supreme Court's ruling that declared an agreement between the state and Panama Ports Company, a subsidiary of Hong Kong's CK Hutchinson Holding Limited, unconstitutional. Feng demanded that Panama protect Chinese business interests and justified inspections of Panamanian-flagged vessels in Chinese waters as maritime security measures, citing incidents and disappearances since early 2026.

Martínez-Acha firmly rejected the Chinese ambassador's claims as "inaccurate." He explained that the legal controversy began with the previous administration and that the Supreme Court justices were appointed by prior governments. He stated that his government could not and would not interfere with judicial decisions, inviting the ambassador to "respect my Constitution."

Regarding maritime inspections, Martínez-Acha pointed out that the number of controls on Panamanian ships in Chinese ports is "substantially higher" than for vessels from neighboring countries like Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and the Philippines. He noted this increase coincided with the Supreme Court's ruling. Despite the tension, Martínez-Acha extended an offer for dialogue, stressing that Panama values its relationship with China, does not wish to be a stage for superpower rivalries, and maintains an independent foreign policy. He concluded by inviting the ambassador to "de-escalate" and speak respectfully, but insisted on mutual respect for each nation's constitution.

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Lo invito a leer la Constitución panameña.