Panama Renews Maritime Agreement with China
On Monday, Panama announced it has reached an agreement with China to renew a maritime treaty granting Panamanian vessels preferential treatment at Chinese ports.
The Panamanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a statement that after negotiations held last week in Beijing, the two countries "reached a consensus" and will "proceed with the renewal process of the treaty."
Previously, following Panama's cancellation of a Hong Kong-based company’s concession rights for two Panama Canal ports, Panamanian officials complained that their ships were facing stricter inspections in China.
According to AFP citing local Panamanian media reports, nearly 500 Panamanian-flagged vessels were detained for inspection at Chinese ports by 2026. However, acting Foreign Minister Carlos Hoyos said on Monday that these figures have now returned to "historical levels."
The original maritime agreement between the two countries is set to expire this year and includes provisions for preferential freight rates and simplified administrative procedures for ships flying the Panamanian flag at Chinese ports.
Earlier, after a court ruling in Panama canceled the contract of Panama Ports Company—a subsidiary of Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison Group—to operate two terminals at the Central American nation’s canal, China subsequently intensified inspections of Panamanian vessels.
AFP reported that U.S. President Trump claimed U.S. control over this strategic waterway, asserting it was under Chinese control—even though in reality, it is managed by an autonomous Panamanian authority.
Source: rfi
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1871363888155655/
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