China has pushed back against criticisms surrounding the Panama Canal, emphasizing its respect for Panama Canal neutrality. The move follows controversy over a Hong Kong-based company’s port asset sale and a US military passage request. Earlier this week, Panama Canal Authority chief Ricaurte Vásquez voiced concern over potential risks of port ownership concentration. He warned the sale could hurt Panama’s market competitiveness and undermine neutrality principles. The Authority also recently denied Washington’s request for free passage of government ships.
Responding to questions at a press conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian addressed the growing debate. First, he acknowledged recent media coverage related to CK Hutchison’s sale of port holdings. He then pointed reporters to statements from China’s State Administration for Market Regulation. According to Lin, these agencies already clarified the company’s commercial decisions. Despite concerns, he firmly stressed China’s stance on Panama Canal neutrality.
In addition, Lin reaffirmed Beijing’s broader foreign policy on global trade routes. “China always stands against economic coercion and hegemonic bullying,” he said. He argued that international players should avoid politicizing commercial matters. Moreover, Lin said China continues to support fair competition in global maritime operations. He repeated that Panama Canal neutrality must guide all policy discussions.
The spokesperson also addressed US frustrations over the canal’s access policy. Lin said China respects Panama’s sovereign control over the waterway. More importantly, he reaffirmed China’s support for the canal as a permanently neutral international route. This comment came after the canal’s refusal to offer free transit to US government vessels. In contrast to Washington’s complaint, Beijing endorsed Panama’s authority to make such decisions.
Meanwhile, the CK Hutchison sale continues to attract attention across the region. Some officials worry that it may tilt regional shipping dynamics in China’s favor. Nevertheless, China insists that such commercial deals follow local laws and international norms. Lin urged critics not to interpret every business move as geopolitical leverage. Again, he emphasized the importance of maintaining Panama Canal neutrality.
Looking ahead, analysts expect the dispute to remain a focal point in US-China tensions. For now, both sides appear committed to influencing Panama’s canal policies. As debates escalate, Beijing aims to underline multilateral respect and legal adherence. However, Washington may continue pushing back through diplomatic or trade-related channels. Regardless, China maintains that Panama Canal neutrality remains essential to global maritime order.
