China warns against ‘third party’ influence as Panama Canal port dispute simmers

AdvertisementPanamaChinaDiplomacyChina warns against ‘third party’ influence as Panama Canal port dispute simmers

Wang Yi also says Beijing ready to deepen cooperation with Panama City amid US pressure over operation of ports

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Victoria BelaPublished: 7:40pm, 27 May 2026Updated: 7:56pm, 27 May 2026Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday said Beijing was ready to deepen cooperation with Panama City and that third countries should not influence their bilateral ties.

“China has always maintained that China-Panama relations are not directed against any third party and should not be interfered with by any third party,” Wang said, according to a foreign ministry read-out on Wednesday.

Wang made the remarks while meeting with Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martinez-Acha on the sidelines of a high-level United Nations Security Council meeting in New York.Advertisement

The meeting took place as the two countries continue to navigate their most significant rift since establishing ties, driven by a dispute over the operation of ports in the Panama Canal. The matter has drawn pressure from Washington.

Beijing’s top diplomat also said China was “willing to work with Panama to uphold the original aspirations of establishing diplomatic relations, deepen pragmatic cooperation, eliminate external interference, and promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations”.

10:37Why the US is worried about China’s growing influence in South AmericaMartinez-Acha told Wang that Panama was willing to work with China to resolve differences through dialogue and build solid trust, according to the read-out.AdvertisementSelect VoiceSelect Speed0.8x0.9x1.0x1.1x1.2x1.5x1.75x00:0000:001.00x