China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged Panama to safeguard the rights of Chinese companies and warned against “third-party interference” during talks with Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha in New York.

According to Chinese state media, Wang said China was ready to deepen practical cooperation with Panama and stressed that bilateral ties should not be influenced by outside pressure.

The remarks were widely seen as a reference to growing US concerns over Chinese-linked infrastructure near the Panama Canal.

Canal Port Dispute Intensifies

The meeting comes amid escalating tensions over two major container terminals at Balboa and Cristobal near the entrances of the Panama Canal, which handles roughly 5% of global maritime trade.

The ports were operated for decades by CK Hutchison through its subsidiary Panama Ports Company.

Earlier this year, Panama’s Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional the legal framework behind the company’s long-running port concession agreements.

China Opposes Panama Court Ruling

China and Hong Kong authorities criticised the decision, calling it an “act of bad faith”.

The cancellation followed pressure from Washington aimed at reducing Chinese influence around the strategically vital canal.

CK Hutchison has since launched international arbitration proceedings against Panama, seeking more than $2 billion in damages and accusing authorities of unlawfully seizing property.

Strategic Competition Around The Canal

The dispute highlights growing geopolitical competition between China and the United States over influence in Latin America and control of critical global trade infrastructure.

The Panama Canal remains one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes.

(with inputs from Reuters)