Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Thursday that China has repeatedly stated its position on issues related to relevant ports in Panama. The State Council Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office recently published an article pointing out that the relevant ruling by Panama's Supreme Court disregards facts, violates the principle of good faith, and seriously undermines the legitimate rights and interests of China's Hong Kong enterprises. The article stressed that the Chinese government firmly safeguards the lawful and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies, Lin said.

Lin made the remarks at a regular press conference on Thursday when asked what measures China may take next after it has repeatedly stated its position following the Panamanian Supreme Court's ruling limiting the operating rights of ports at both ends of the Panama Canal held by CK Hutchison Holdings, and whether China has communicated with Panama on the ports' future operations.

Asked for comment and confirmation of a Bloomberg report claiming that after Panama's Supreme Court ruled port concessions held by CK Hutchison at both ends of the Panama Canal unconstitutional, China is asking state-owned firms to halt talks over new projects in Panama, Lin said that China's position on issues related to the ports in Panama is clear.

Also asked to comment on CK Hutchison's statement on Wednesday that it strongly opposes the Panamanian ruling, will initiate international arbitration, and reserves the right to pursue further legal action, Lin said that he had already made China's position clear, reiterating that China will firmly safeguard the lawful rights and interests of its enterprises.


Global Times