Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 11 (Xinhua) — China supports Panama, as a sovereign and independent country, in upholding its independence and self-reliance and firmly safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Wednesday.
The Chinese diplomat made the statement at a regular briefing for journalists, commenting on the statement by the head of the Panama Canal Authority regarding the sale of its port assets related to the canal by the Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison.
On June 10, the head of the Panama Canal Authority reportedly noted that “there is a potential risk of excessive concentration of ownership of the ports if the deal goes ahead as currently structured, which would harm Panama’s market competitiveness and would be contrary to the principle of neutrality.” He also said that it would be impossible to comply with the U.S. demand to allow U.S. government vessels to transit the canal without paying customs duties.
Lin Jian recalled that the State Administration for Market Regulation of the People’s Republic of China and Chinese relevant departments have repeatedly commented on the sale of CK Hutchison’s overseas assets.
“I would like to emphasize that China has always been firmly opposed to economic coercion, dictatorship and bullying,” the official said.
On the issue of navigation of ships of relevant countries, China will, as always, respect Panama’s sovereignty over the canal and recognize its status as a permanently neutral international waterway, Lin Jian added. -0-