6 countries back Panama; China pledged to safeguard rights of its enterprises

The United States and five other countries issued a joint statement supporting Panama's sovereignty and expressing concern over what they described as recent economic pressure from China.

The statement says China's actions targeting Panama-flagged vessels appear to politicise maritime trade and infringe on the sovereignty of countries in the Western Hemisphere. It says Panama is a key pillar of global maritime trade and must remain free from external pressure.

The issue follows a ruling by Panama's Supreme Court that invalidated a contract granting CK Hutchison's Panama Ports Company the right to operate two major canal ports. After Panama took over the ports, authorities reported increased inspections of Panama-flagged ships in China, seen as possible retaliation.

China has repeatedly criticised the court ruling as unfounded and has pledged to safeguard the legitimate rights of its enterprises.