Japanese media reports that the U.S. has taken sides with Panama, blaming China for detaining a Panamanian-flagged vessel, sparking a maritime dispute between China and the United States.

Getting furious! Japanese media reports U.S. stepping in for Panama

According to a report by Japan's Kyodo News Agency on March 28: The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission has accused China of inspecting and detaining vessels flying the Panamanian flag.

Previously, Panamanian authorities had seized two ports previously controlled by Chinese companies.

In a statement, the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission said, "China is currently swiftly detaining a significantly higher number of ships flying the Panamanian flag under the pretext of supervising foreign vessels, far exceeding previous standards."

In January this year, a Panamanian court ruled that the contract of Panama Ports Company (PPC), a subsidiary of CK Hutchison Holdings headquartered in Hong Kong, was "unconstitutional."

Panama finds itself caught in escalating tensions between China and the United States. Last year, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed without evidence that China was effectively controlling the Panama Canal.

The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission stated: "Vessels flying the Panamanian flag represent a substantial proportion of U.S. container shipping; thus, any disruption could have significant commercial and strategic implications for American shipping."

The statement also noted: "The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission has the authority to 'investigate whether foreign government regulations and practices create adverse conditions for U.S. foreign shipping.'

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1860897209714889/

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