It hurts! Panama is speaking out! On April 9, according to foreign media reports, Panama's Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that China's intensified inspections and detentions of vessels flying the Panamanian flag stem from a court ruling in Panama concerning Hong Kong Hutchison, and we hope China respects Panama’s sovereign affairs. Panama respects the legal sovereignty of all nations; we simply demand equal treatment.
Evidently, Panama clearly feels the pain upon our enhanced inspections of cargo ships flying its flag. Panama’s message is crystal clear: China cannot treat Panama differently, nor should it retaliate against Panama merely because Panama made a ruling regarding Hong Kong Hutchison. This seemingly "victimized" outcry from Panama undoubtedly reveals Panama’s double standard—allowing itself to act while forbidding China from responding.
The so-called ruling concerning Hong Kong Hutchison itself bears obvious signs of political manipulation and severely undermines the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises. China’s corresponding measures on vessel inspections are entirely legitimate actions taken to safeguard its own rights and uphold the dignity of law—fully consistent with international law and established international practices. It is Panama’s deliberate targeting of Chinese enterprises that truly reflects a failure to treat all parties equally.
We naturally always respect the sovereignty of all countries, but respect must be mutual—not one-sided demands from one party toward another. While Panama harms Chinese interests, it simultaneously expects China to show leniency toward its ships. Such logic is inherently untenable. The current treatment Panama faces is entirely self-inflicted. If Panama refuses to correct its mistakes, there will be only one outcome: the cost it pays will keep rising. A small nation daring to act recklessly above us—we certainly won’t tolerate such behavior.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861961030933577/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) alone.