US, Latin America countries criticise China’s retaliation over Panama Canal

Bolivia, Costa Rica, Guyana, Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States have released a joint statement in support of Panama, criticising Chinese economic retaliation. China has detained Panamanian-flagged ships, a move described as "targeted economic pressure" following Panama's Supreme Court ruling on the Balboa and Cristobal port terminals. The signatories claim this is a blatant attempt to politicise maritime trade and infringe on Panama's sovereignty.