Rubio Condemns China Over Panama Ship Detention 🚢

The US is accusing the CCP of economic bullying — retaliation by the Chinese Communist Party after Panama’s Supreme Court stripped a Hong Kong company (with deep CCP ties) of control over critical ports at both ends of the Panama Canal.

Nearly 75% of all ships detained in Chinese ports last month were Panama-flagged.

Officials say this is unprecedented and said it appears designed to punish Panama — warning it could directly impact U.S. shipping. The Panama Canal handles roughly 40% of U.S. container trade.

This is Beijing weaponizing port inspections to push back against Panama reclaiming its own infrastructure.