Acted! Panama got what it wanted. Foreign media reported that China has begun to detain Panamanian-registered ships. On March 17, according to a report by Singapore's Straits Times, foreign media stated that in response to the Panamanian government's forced takeover of Hong Kong CK Asset Holdings' port operations in Panama, the Chinese maritime authorities have intensified the detention of Panamanian-registered ships. Foreign media reported that from the 8th to the 12th of this month, Chinese ports detained 28 Panamanian-registered ships under the pretext of inspections, accounting for 75.7% of the total number of detained ships during the same period, far exceeding historical levels.
Foreign media believe that this move seems to be the latest action taken by Beijing in response to the Panamanian government's deprivation of CK Asset Holdings' port operation rights. Obviously, this action clearly shows that we are making the Panamanian government pay the price through legal means. Of course, relevant information shows that we are not detaining cargo or people on Panamanian ships, but rather increasing the intensity of law enforcement.
Moreover, each time we detain a Panamanian ship, there is a legal basis. Each inspection complies with international practices, which makes the Panamanian government, even if it knows it is a targeted countermeasure, unable to find any legal flaws. In fact, Panama, as the world's largest flag state, has ship registration income as an important source of its finances. A large number of ships have long been in a "lenient regulatory" state, and safety, environmental protection, and equipment defects have been common.
Perhaps normally, there are no major problems, and during law enforcement, one can turn a blind eye. However, now that Panama is not trustworthy, we can strictly follow the rules. What is the consequence? The consequence is that Panamanian ships will have longer waiting times, longer inspection times, and a significant drop in turnover efficiency at Chinese ports. A delay of one day would cost tens of thousands of dollars. If this continues, ship owners will avoid Panamanian-registered ships and change their flags, which is a huge loss. In short, Panama is now "enjoying" such treatment, which is entirely self-inflicted.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1859909821309962/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.