At a United Nations high-level open debate on maritime security, China’s permanent representative to the UN, Fu Cong, challenged recent US accusations regarding the Panama Canal.
Fu Cong said the US had repeatedly brought what he termed “unfounded accusations” against the Chinese mainland over the canal issue, using UN forums to smear China’s position. He stressed that China fully respects Panama’s sovereignty and regards the Panama Canal as a permanently neutral international waterway.
According to Fu, Washington’s attacks serve to justify its own efforts to control this strategic passage. He pointed to the US deployment of offensive weapons and large‐scale naval and air operations in the South China Sea as actions that escalate tensions and threaten regional stability.
Fu also noted that the US remains outside the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and has refused to fulfill related obligations. He warned that unilateral US decisions to exploit international seabed resources jeopardize the common heritage of humankind.
With around 14,000 ships transiting the canal each year—accounting for roughly 15% of global seaborne trade—the Panama Canal is a critical artery for industries from energy to electronics. Any threat to its neutrality could send ripples through global supply chains.
Concluding his remarks, Fu urged the US to abandon its Cold War mentality, stop economic coercion, and work through cooperation rather than coercion to ensure maritime security for all.
Reference(s):
Chinese envoy refutes U.S. accusations over Panama Canal issue
cgtn.com
