China has denied claims that it is deliberately targeting Panama-flagged vessels with increased inspections at its ports, saying the checks are being carried out for maritime safety after several accidents involving Panama-registered ships.
The issue comes months after Panama’s Supreme Court ruled that Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison’s contracts to operate two ports at either end of the Panama Canal were unconstitutional.
The decision has led to legal action, diplomatic tensions and growing attention from the global shipping industry.
Speaking at the Dialogue with Permanent Observers of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Panama on Tuesday, Chinese Ambassador Xie Feng rejected claims that China had increased inspections in response to Panama’s decision to cancel the company’s port concessions.
According to a statement from the Chinese Embassy, Xie said China carries out port state control inspections in line with Chinese laws and international conventions, and that the inspections are not aimed at ships from any particular country.
He said
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