Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry

China supports Panama's effort to uphold independence and firmly defend its lawful rights and interests as an independent sovereign country, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday.

Spokesperson Lin Jian made the remark at a daily news briefing when asked to comment on the statement of the head of the Panama Canal Authority with regard to the purchase of CK Hutchison assets.

The head of the Panama Canal Authority reportedly said on June 10 that "there is a potential risk of capacity concentration if the deal comes the way it is structured as we understand right now. It will be at the expense of Panama's competitiveness in the market and inconsistent with neutrality." The head also said a U.S. request to allow its government ships to pass through the canal for free was not possible.

Lin said that on CK Hutchison's sales of its assets overseas, the State Administration for Market Regulation and competent authorities have made responses to that more than once.

"Let me stress more broadly that China all along firmly opposes economic coercion and domineering and bullying practices," Lin noted.

On the navigation of relevant country's vessels, China will, as always, respect Panama's sovereignty over the Canal and recognize the Canal as a permanently neutral international waterway, Lin said.

During a press briefing on May 6, Lin refuted reports that CK Hutchison has been granted permission to sell its global port assets other than those along the Panama Canal are unfounded.

The Chinese government will resolutely safeguard China's national sovereignty, security and development interests in accordance with the law, and maintain market fairness and justice, Lin said, noting that the business activities of enterprises should abide by relevant laws and refrain from harming national interests.

Global Times