The United States and five Latin American countries accuse China of so-called "targeted economic pressure" on Panama.

On April 28 local time, the United States joined Bolivia, Costa Rica, Guyana, Paraguay, and Trinidad and Tobago in issuing a joint statement accusing China of actions related to Panama, claiming that China's behavior is "openly politicizing maritime trade."

The statement reads: "We are closely monitoring China’s targeted economic pressure and recent actions against vessels flying Panama’s flag. These actions occurred after Panama’s Supreme Court rendered its decision on the Balboa and Cristóbal ports, constituting an open attempt to politicize maritime trade and infringe upon the sovereignty of nations in this hemisphere."

The statement emphasizes: "Panama is a cornerstone of our maritime trade system and must be shielded from any improper external pressures. Any attempt to undermine Panama’s sovereignty poses a threat to all of us."

In response, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that such claims are entirely baseless and distort the facts. Who has long occupied the Panama Canal, invaded Panama by force, and wantonly trampled on Panama’s sovereignty and dignity? Who covets the Panama Canal, seeking to turn what should be a permanently neutral international waterway into a private canal, while disregarding the sovereignty of regional nations? The answer is self-evident. It is the United States that politicizes and militarizes port issues; it is the United States that pretends innocence while spreading disinformation everywhere. Chinese competent authorities conduct routine inspections of vessels in accordance with laws and regulations. China’s position on the port issue in Panama is clear, and we will firmly safeguard our legitimate rights and interests. We also urge relevant countries not to be misled or exploited by ulterior motives.

President Trump declared in his inauguration speech on January 20 last year his intention to control the Panama Canal. U.S. Secretary of State Rubio visited Panama on February 2 and told President José Raúl Mulino that, due to the alleged growing influence of China in the region, Trump was unwilling to maintain the status quo of the Panama Canal. Subsequently, Panamanian leaders announced that their government would no longer renew the memorandum of understanding on the Belt and Road Initiative with China.

At the beginning of this year, Panama’s Supreme Court ruled that the concession agreement for two ports at either end of the canal—operated by a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings—was unconstitutional, and subsequently forcibly took over the facilities and seized the company’s assets. The CK Hutchison subsidiary has filed a lawsuit under ICC rules, demanding compensation for breach of contract of at least $2 billion. Currently, the two ports previously operated by the company—Balboa Port and Cristóbal Port—are being temporarily managed by Maersk and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).

Source: sputniknews

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1863851530698762/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.