US Warns China Over Seizure of Ships
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued a stern warning to China, asserting that “sovereignty in our hemisphere is non-negotiable.” This statement comes after accusations against China for seizing Panamanian-flagged ships amid escalating tensions over control of canal ports.
The United States, in collaboration with Bolivia, Costa Rica, Guyana, Paraguay, and Trinidad and Tobago, released a joint statement accusing China of politicizing maritime trade. They believe these actions violate regional sovereignty and frame the episode as part of a larger struggle for control over critical global trade routes.
While the situation in Panama revolves around ship seizures rather than an outright blockade, observers see it as part of a larger conflict between the U.S. and China. This ongoing struggle concerns who will dictate the rules of international trade and strategically important energy pathways, similar to disputes over the Strait of Hormuz.
The current tensions follow a ruling from the Panamanian Supreme Court in early 2026, which invalidated Hong Kong-based C.K. Hutchison’s long-standing control over the Balboa and Cristobal terminals, positioned along the Panama Canal. The canal plays a pivotal role in global trade, facilitating around 5% of seaborne commerce.
Since March 8, U.S. authorities have been tracking approximately 70 Panamanian-flagged vessels that have reportedly been seized by Chinese officials. This surge is viewed by U.S. officials as a possible retaliation against Panama, potentially exerting pressure on global shipping routes.
Experts, like Gordon Chan, suggest that China may be utilizing Iran to destabilize the Middle East, positioning Iran as a proxy. He believes China’s maneuvers in Panama are indicative of a broader strategy to use economic power and regional allies to enhance its global influence, all while condemning similar tactics employed by the U.S.
According to Zhang, a geopolitical analyst, China now faces growing opposition, not just from the U.S. but also from various governments and sensitive areas that are increasingly resistant. He claims this resistance is tightening the grip on China.
Furthermore, Zhang pointed out that President Trump’s strategy involves countering China’s influence by targeting its allies, such as Venezuela and Cuba.
He framed the pressures on Iran and threats to the Strait of Hormuz as part of a larger scheme directed at both Tehran and China, with implications for global energy dynamics. Zhang said that the approach aims to weaken Iran while simultaneously challenging China’s already shaky economic standing.
Additionally, Zhang criticized the Chinese government for what he described as a deep hypocrisy regarding trade practices. He argued that China has heavily profited from a global trading ecosystem which is increasingly weaponized for strategic purposes.
He maintained that the cycle of actions and reactions initiated with China’s threats against America. “If China hadn’t threatened America, America wouldn’t have moved to Panama,” he asserted.
China, for its part, has dismissed these allegations of politicizing trade, calling the U.S. criticisms unfounded and reflective of its own ambitions regarding the canal. The Foreign Ministry labeled the U.S. claims as “totally baseless and misleading,” adding that it would protect its interests in Panama.
In response to the accusations, Liu Pengyu, a representative from the Chinese embassy in Washington, insisted that the inspections of the ships were conducted lawfully. He accused the U.S. of politicizing standard operational matters and urged other countries to be aware of potential manipulations.
