Retentions and inspections of Panamanian-flagged vessels in Chinese ports have increased in recent days, according to international reports. However, Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez avoided linking these events to possible reprisals, stating that they are routine procedures within the maritime industry. On January 29, a ruling by the Supreme Court of Justice declared the concession of the Balboa and Cristobal ports at the canal entrances to the Hong Kong company CK Hutchison unconstitutional, and they were taken over by the government of Panama. Asked by SNIP Noticias about the information published by Lloyd’s List—an international publication specializing in maritime transport and shipping—the minister stated that what he knows comes from what he has read in those reports. "Look, that's what I've read. The report indicates that these detentions represented 75.7% of the inspections recorded in that period, a level higher than historical averages." The minister acknowledged that an increase in inspections has been observed, although he insisted that this type of detention occurs in different ports around the world. "Evidently, there was an increase, but I repeat to you that there are detentions in Europe, in other Asian countries, etc.", he noted. According to sources cited by that specialized medium, Chinese maritime authorities would have issued verbal instructions to intensify inspections of ships with a Panamanian flag, in a first phase that was described as a trial period before possible additional measures. The government of China warned that it would take retaliatory measures against Panama and summoned the representatives of the companies Maersk and MSC, whose port arms, APM and TIL, took over the operation of the ports after being contracted by the Panamanian government. The Panamanian minister also indicated that Panama seeks to maintain a respectful relationship with China and that the country expects the decision adopted by the Supreme Court of Justice of Panama to be respected. "We wish to maintain a relationship with China that is respectful, and all we ask is that a decision of the Supreme Court of Justice be respected, regardless of any other interpretation they may have," he affirmed. Asked if Panama has had specific diplomatic communications on this matter, the minister explained that no formal negotiations have been carried out. "No, but we speak frequently with the Chinese delegation in Panama and we have an open dialogue with them," he indicated. When asked about a meeting between Chinese authorities and executives from the shipping companies Maersk and MSC, the minister replied that he does not maintain communication with representatives of those companies. "No, I do not maintain communication with the executives of Maersk or MSC," he said.
