Beijing gave no reason for order – but both firms at centre of dispute after Panama ruled against CK Hutchison’s operation of two ports
2-MIN READ2-MIN ListenCarol Yangin BeijingPublished: 3:00pm, 10 Mar 2026Updated: 3:11pm, 10 Mar 2026China’s Ministry of Transport has summoned two maritime giants – Maersk and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) – for talks on “international shipping operations” amid legal disputes over the Panama Canal, a vital artery for global trade.No further details were provided in the one-sentence statement, which was posted on the ministry’s website on Tuesday. But in China, government summons often serve as a warning and, if ignored, could lead to further action.
CK Hutchison, the Hong Kong-based conglomerate, has launched legal proceedings against the Panamanian government over the seizure of the two ports – Balboa and Cristobal – calling the takeovers “illegal”, according to a statement issued on Friday.
PPC has also filed for international arbitration against the government under International Chamber of Commerce rules, seeking at least US$2 billion in damages, the statement said.
Following the takeover, Beijing said it would resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its enterprises.
