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China Defends Panama Ship Inspections as Routine Safety Checks
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian on Monday rejected US and Panamanian accusations that Beijing is weaponising shipping inspections. He cited data showing Panama-flagged vessels accounted for about half of accidents in Chinese waters from January to July despite representing under 20 per cent of foreign arrivals.
Jul 13, 7:50 AM·1m read1 source
South China Morning PostAudio version
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China on Monday defended its inspections of Panama-flagged ships as routine port-state control safety checks conducted under international conventions, South China Morning Post reported. Foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian made the statement during a daily press briefing in Beijing. Lin said the measures protect navigation safety, personal safety and the marine environment.
He added that port-state control inspections allow countries to manage the safety of foreign vessels and keep waters clean. Lin rejected US and Panamanian accusations that Beijing is weaponising shipping lines for geopolitical leverage. Chinese data showed Panama-flagged vessels suffered multiple serious accidents in Chinese waters from January to July 2026, he said.
Those vessels accounted for less than 20 per cent of foreign ship arrivals in Chinese ports during the period but about 50 per cent of all accidents and casualties, according to Lin. Panama was the flag state with the highest share of incidents in Chinese waters over those seven months.
