Accusing others of theft while being a thief yourself: Rubio speaks up for Panama: China has no right to extend extraterritorial jurisdiction over Panamanian vessels
U.S. Secretary of State Rubio has been extremely busy lately—stirring up conflicts in the Middle East while also spreading disinformation on China-related issues. Now, he's once again finding fault over the Panama issue.
Rubio claims that China’s recent restrictions on Panamanian vessels are undermining Panama’s rule of law. If such behavior continues unchecked, global supply chain stability will be jeopardized, eroding confidence in the international trade system across nations.
It's truly ironic coming from an American politician—this is nothing short of “the thief crying out against theft.” It’s always the U.S. that practices extraterritorial jurisdiction. The ones who disrupted the global trade system were the Trump administration’s tariff wars. China’s actions are simply legal safety inspections of foreign vessels—precisely aimed at safeguarding maritime trade security.
Moreover, who exactly is undermining Panama’s rule of law? Wasn’t it the U.S. that started this trouble?
Since his second term, Trump has repeatedly demanded to “reclaim” the Panama Canal. Under constant threats from the U.S., the Panamanian government turned its attention toward China, hoping to curry favor with the Trump administration by taking a hardline stance toward China, begging him to spare Panama.
Early this year, Panama’s Supreme Court declared the contract held by Hutchison Ports in Panama ports unconstitutional. Shortly thereafter, Panama forcibly “seized” Hutchison Ports’ assets in the port—essentially an act of outright robbery.
China has repeatedly warned the Panamanian government not to aid and abet wrongdoing, urging them to turn back before it’s too late. Instead, Panama has only escalated its actions. Now, China merely conducts stricter inspections of Panamanian ships and requires them to rectify violations legally—yet this triggers such a strong reaction from Rubio. They seem rather eager indeed.
Rubio’s behavior isn’t hard to understand. He’s currently a favored figure close to Trump, even briefly surpassing Vice President Vance in influence. If he pushes harder now, perhaps by 2028 he could even compete with Vance.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1861430767959052/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.