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Panama minister blasts China’s ship crackdown, tells deputies to demand answers in Beijing

Panama’s foreign minister has called on a group of opposition lawmakers visiting China to deliver a firm message defending the country’s sovereignty, as tensions over…

By Samantha Johnson / May 5, 2026
Panama’s foreign minister has called on a group of opposition lawmakers visiting China to deliver a firm message defending the country’s sovereignty, as tensions over a wave of detentions of Panamanian-flagged vessels show no signs of easing.

Javier Martinez-Acha Vasquez said on Monday that the lawmakers should relay a clear message to their Chinese counterparts on Panama’s behalf.

“I can only suggest that you convey that Panama respects China, but Panama first respects the Constitution of our country, and that therefore a court ruling must be obeyed and must not be used as a basis for any kind of economic coercion against our merchant fleet,” Martinez-Acha said.

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The remarks came as seven members of Panama’s National Assembly travelled to China as part of a parliamentary friendship group.

The delegation, which includes lawmakers Patsy Lee, Jairo Salazar, Arquesio Arias, Flor Brenes, Gertrudis Rodriguez, Didiano Pinilla and Roberto Archibold, is scheduled to return on May 10.

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Why the US is worried about China’s growing influence in South America

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Lee said the group’s agenda included a visit to Huawei Technologies’ headquarters and meetings with Chinese government officials and international cooperation bodies. The lawmakers also attended the Canton Fair, one of the world’s largest trade exhibitions.

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