China is defending its inspections of Panama-flagged ships, describing them as routine port-state control measures for maritime safety and environmental protection. In statements reported from Beijing, China’s foreign ministry spokesman says the inspections are lawful and are intended to manage navigation risks posed by foreign vessels calling at ports.
China rejects allegations from the United States and Panama that the inspections amount to “weaponising” shipping or using maritime enforcement for geopolitical leverage. Both sources also note China’s rebuttal that the inspections are not targeted to advance political goals.
The dispute escalates in the context of recent detentions. China says that vessels under the Panama flag represent the highest share of maritime accidents in Chinese waters this year, using this figure to justify increased scrutiny. The reporting also links the rise in detentions to an earlier development involving Panama’s handling of a Chinese-linked canal arrangement, which reportedly contributed to a subsequent spike in detentions.
Overall, the sources describe a disagreement between China and the US/Panama over the purpose and legality of the inspection regime, with China emphasizing safety and accountability while rejecting claims of coercion.
