Panama’s decision to strip Panama Ports Company of its concessions is a test of US backing for countries challenging China, experts say
2-MIN READ2-MIN1 ListenDewey Simin WashingtonandTeresa Elena Frontadoin WashingtonPublished: 3:34am, 3 Apr 2026Updated: 3:42am, 3 Apr 2026US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has voiced “serious concerns” over China’s intensified inspections of Panama-flagged vessels, vowing that the US “stands firmly” with Panama amid the Latin American country’s escalating fallout with Beijing.Rubio said China’s recent actions “raise serious concerns about the use of economic tools to undermine the rule of law in Panama, a sovereign nation and vital partner for global commerce”.“Detentions, delays, or other impediments to the movement of vessels undermine the stability of global supply chains, increase costs for businesses and consumers, and erode confidence in the international trading system,” the top US diplomat said, according to a State Department statement.
The Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment about Rubio’s statement.
Panama President Mulino rejects US claims of Chinese influence in Panama Canal
