dailyloe.com – Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a warning to China regarding the sovereignty of the Americas, stating it is “non-negotiable.” This statement follows accusations from the U.S. and regional allies against Beijing for detaining Panama-flagged ships linked to canal port control.
In a joint statement with Bolivia, Costa Rica, Guyana, Paraguay, and Trinidad and Tobago, the U.S. described China’s actions as a “blatant attempt to politicize maritime trade” and infringe upon regional sovereignty.
This dispute is framed as part of a larger strategic contest over control of vital global trade routes. Critics view the Panama situation alongside other strategic choke points, such as the Strait of Hormuz.
The tensions stem from Panama’s Supreme Court decision in 2026, which invalidated the legal basis for Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison’s control over the Balboa and Cristobal terminals. These terminals are crucial, handling about 5% of global maritime trade.
Since March 8, U.S. regulators have tracked nearly 70 Panama-flagged vessels detained by Chinese authorities. American officials believe these detentions are retaliatory actions against Panama.
Gordon Chang, a China expert, stated that “China has used Iran to destabilize the Middle East” and that Beijing’s actions in Panama reflect a broader pattern of using economic leverage to expand influence. He noted that the U.S. is increasingly countering China’s tactics.
