The United States has accused China of violating Panama's sovereignty over a port dispute, prompting Beijing to accuse Washington of hypocrisy.
The row began in early April when US Secretary of State Marco Rubio alleged China had “bullied” Panama by briefly detaining dozens of Panama-flagged ships. China denied the claims.
On Tuesday, the US State Department issued a joint statement with five regional allies – Bolivia, Costa Rica, Guyana, Paraguay, and Trinidad and Tobago – condemning China's actions as a “blatant attempt to politicise maritime trade”.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian dismissed the accusations, asking: “Who occupied the Panama Canal for a long time, invaded Panama with its military, and arbitrarily trampled on its sovereignty and dignity?” He added that the US had politicised and securitised the port issue.
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino said he appreciated the solidarity of friendly countries but sought to defuse tensions, stating: “We do not wish to engage in controversy, as we value respectful relations with all nations.”
The spat underscores the broader rivalry between the US and China in Latin America, with the Panama Canal a key flashpoint.
