Rubio warns China that Panama Canal sovereignty is non-negotiable

Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned China that “the sovereignty of our hemisphere is non-negotiable” after the US and regional allies accused Beijing of detaining Panama-flagged ships in a dispute tied to canal port management.

In a joint assertion with Bolivia, Costa Rica, Guyana, Paraguay and Trinidad and Tobagothe US stated China’s actions focusing on Panama-flagged vessels had been a “blatant attempt to politicize maritime trade” and infringes on regional sovereignty, framing the dispute as a broader strategic take a look at over management of one of many world’s most crucial business arteries.

While the Panama dispute facilities on transport detentions slightly than a bodily blockade, critics more and more view it alongside battles over different strategic choke factors, such because the Strait of Hormuz, as a part of a widening contest over whether or not Beijing or Washington will form the foundations governing world commerce and power corridors.

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The confrontation follows Panama’s Supreme Court resolution earlier in 2026 to invalidate the authorized framework behind Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison’s long-held management of the Balboa and Cristobal terminals flanking the Panama Canal, a choke level that handles roughly 5% of world maritime commerce.

US regulators have monitored practically 70 Panama-flagged vessels detained by Chinese authorities since March 8, in response to Reuters — a surge American officers say seems designed to retaliate in opposition to Panama and strain world transport.

“China has used Iran to destabilize the Middle East. In impact, Iran has been China’s proxy,” China skilled Gordon Chang informed Fox News Digital, arguing Beijing’s actions in Panama match a broader world sample wherein China makes use of financial leverage, commerce strain and regional companions to develop affect whereas condemning related techniques from Washington.

Chang stated Beijing is now dealing with rising resistance because the US more and more strikes not solely in opposition to China straight, but in addition in opposition to governments and geopolitical flash factors he argues have strengthened Beijing’s hand.

“Trump apparently decided that he would counter this sly tactic by taking China’s proxies — Venezuela, Cuba and Iran — off the board,” Chang stated.

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An aerial view reveals the port of Rodman in Panama City Jan. 30, 2026. (Martin Bernetti/AFP)

He additionally framed strain on Iran and threats to the Strait of Hormuz as half of a bigger strategic effort aimed toward each Tehran and Beijing.

“Closing the Strait of Hormuz is a two-fer, starving Iran’s regime and shaking China’s already fragile economy,” Chang stated. “Trump is using energy to reorder the world.”

Chang additionally accused Beijing of hypocrisy over commerce.

“China’s Communists invented hypocrisy. Nobody does hypocrisy better than the Chinese Communists,” he stated, arguing that China lengthy benefited from a world buying and selling system it more and more weaponized for geopolitical functions.

“The elemental truth is that China started this cycle of action and retaliation,” Chang stated. “If China had not threatened America, America would not have leaned on Panama. If America had not leaned on Panama, China would not have detained Panamanian vessels.”

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Two cargo ships enter the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal in Panama City on Jan. 22. (Martin Bernetti/AFP)

China has rejected accusations that it is politicizing commerce, with its overseas ministry arguing US criticism displays Washington’s personal strategic ambitions across the canal.

China’s Foreign Ministry referred to as the assertion on Wednesday “entirely baseless and misleading,” stated it might take steps to safeguard China’s pursuits in Panama, and accused the United States of politicizing ports, in response to Reuters.

“China also urges the relevant countries not to be deceived or exploited by malevolent forces,” added Lin Jian, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Chinese Embassy in Washington, DC, for remark however didn’t obtain a response in time for publication.

Reuters contributed to this text.