United States Ambassador to Panama Kevin Marino Cabrera has accused China of retaliating against Panama. He claims Beijing is punishing the country for a Supreme Court ruling that voided a port concession. The ambassador made these statements Thursday in a television interview.
Cabrera pointed to a sharp increase in ship inspections at Chinese ports. So far this year, 461 vessels flying the Panamanian flag have been detained in China. That number stood at 256 for all of 2025. The ambassador called the 400 percent spike no coincidence.
“It is not a coincidence and it is not on purpose,” Cabrera said in an interview with Telemetro. “That is not true, it is a lie and a colossal lie.” [Translated from Spanish]
The controversy stems from a Supreme Court ruling. Panama’s highest court declared the Panama Ports Company concession unconstitutional. That company is a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison. It operated two strategic ports in the country.
China’s OEA Intervention Sparks Diplomatic Tension
Chinese representative Xie Feng recently addressed the OEA in Panama. He questioned the court’s decision during that session. Feng urged Panama to “correct its mistakes” and protect Chinese business interests.
Feng also defended the inspections of Panamanian-flagged vessels. He argued they follow technical criteria, not ideological ones. Cabrera rejected that explanation completely.
“It is a colossal lie and the Chinese ambassador should be ashamed,” Cabrera said. “That is not true.” [Translated from Spanish]
“They are trying to punish Panama because, again, they are not accustomed to having an independent Judicial Branch. In their country that does not exist. In their country they control all government bodies. In Panama it is not like that, in the United States it is not like that. Where there is democracy, it is not like that.” [Translated from Spanish]
The US ambassador claimed China has already “lost” with the court ruling. He said the OEA intervention only served to “unmask themselves, take off the mask.” Cabrera insisted China is applying harsh measures against Panama deliberately.
“The United States stands with Panama. We are friends, we are partners and allies, and we will continue to be so. You see what the Chinese do, what they do is abuse. They abuse people if they don’t do what they want,” Cabrera added. [Translated from Spanish]
Ship Detentions Raise Maritime Concerns
The data on vessel detentions tells a stark story. Chinese authorities have nearly doubled their inspections of Panamanian-flagged ships. The 461 detentions this year represent a significant escalation.
These Panamanian flag ship detentions in China affect global shipping routes. Many vessels use Panama’s flag registry for convenience. The increased scrutiny disrupts trade patterns and raises costs for ship operators.
Panama’s maritime authority has not issued an official response. Industry analysts watch the situation closely. The dispute could affect Panama’s position as a major flag state.
Judicial Independence at the Core
The Supreme Court ruling represents a key point of contention. Panama’s judiciary acted independently against a foreign concession. That independence appears to have triggered the Chinese response.
Diplomatic relations between Panama and China have soured. The port concession dispute now extends into broader trade and maritime issues. Panama finds itself caught between two global powers.
US support for Panama’s position adds another layer. Cabrera’s statements signal Washington’s alignment with Panama’s sovereign decisions. The coming weeks will reveal how China responds to this diplomatic pressure.
For now, 461 ships remain detained. The number grows each week. Panama’s government must navigate this crisis while protecting its national interests and international relationships.
