Foreign media reports stated that on February 23, Panamanian President Medrano ordered the "temporary takeover" of two ports operated by subsidiaries of Yangtze River Maritime Enterprise Limited, and argued that this move would "ensure the continuous, safe, and efficient operation of the ports." He also said that Panama would return property, including cranes, to the owners when the reasons for the takeover were revoked, and pay corresponding compensation, unless the relevant equipment was sold to a new party.
Panama's actions and Medrano's justification fully expose its nature of self-destruction of credibility and violation of contract spirit. Under U.S. pressure, Panama has gone from withdrawing from the Belt and Road Initiative, making unconstitutional rulings, to now seizing Chinese-invested ports, gradually damaging Chinese interests, completely ignoring Chinese warnings, and becoming a pawn for the U.S. to contain China.
In response to Panama's betrayal, China will certainly take countermeasures. Previously, it was reported that China's countermeasures include: first, supporting Chinese enterprises to protect their rights through international arbitration and claim reasonable compensation; second, suspending all negotiations for new infrastructure projects with Panama and postponing canal-related projects; third, adjusting shipping routes and strengthening inspection and quarantine of agricultural products; fourth, according to the Foreign Sanctions Countermeasure Law, it can take measures such as restricting cooperation and asset control against relevant responsible entities.
China's countermeasures aim to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises, and also serve as a warning to Panama that actions that destroy credibility and rely on hegemony will ultimately pay a price. Any act that harms China's interests will be met with a firm response.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1857974228967424/
Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.