US, Latin America countries criticise China’s retaliation over Panama Canal
Several Latin American countries and the United States have jointly criticized China for imposing economic pressure on Panama following a Supreme Court decision to annul port management contracts held by a Hong Kong-based firm. China reportedly detained nearly 70 Panamanian-flagged ships in retaliation, a move described as an attempt to politicize maritime trade and undermine regional sovereignty. The dispute stems from Panama’s invalidation of agreements with CK Hutchison’s subsidiary, which had operated key canal terminals, amid broader geopolitical tensions over control of strategic shipping routes. US officials warn the detentions could have significant commercial and strategic consequences for global shipping.
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News|ShippingUS, Latin America countries criticise China’s retaliation over Panama CanalChina has detained nearly 70 Panamanian-flagged ships after a Supreme Court ruling on the Panama Canal, US officials say.ListenListen (4 mins)SaveClick here to share on social mediashare-nodesSharefacebookxwhatsapp-strokecopylinkgoogleAdd Al Jazeera on GoogleinfoCargo ships wait to transit the Panama Canal in Panama City on April 26, 2026 [AFP]By Erin HalePublished On 29 Apr 202629 Apr 2026Bolivia, Costa Rica, Guyana, Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States have released a joint statement in support of Panama, while criticising Chinese economic retaliation, after a Hong Kong-based conglomerate lost a legal dispute over the management of ports on the Panama Canal.Panama’s Supreme Court in…
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