BANGKOK (AP) 鈥� Hong Kong is protesting on a canal vital for global trade that were operated by a Hong Kong-based company for decades, the city鈥檚 government said Tuesday.
Hong Kong’s Commerce and Economic Development Bureau said in a statement it had lodged 鈥渟tern protests鈥� with Panama’s consulate, adding that it had expressed strong opposition and dissatisfaction and would 鈥渟taunchly support the legitimate rights and interests of Hong Kong corporations overseas.鈥�
The ports located at the mouth and tail of the Panama Canal, which have been operated by a subsidiary of CK Hutchison since 1997, became embroiled in a legal dispute after getting caught in the middle of the U.S. and China’s competition for influence in the region. The ports became the focus of global attention after U.S. President Donald Trump accused China of 鈥渞unning the Panama Canal.鈥�
Panama’s government took control of the two ports on Monday after the country’s Supreme Court struck down a law approving the concession contract for Panama Ports Company, a subsidiary of CK Hutchison. That ruling stripped the port of legal basis for its operations, and against the country.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also weighed in Tuesday. 鈥淐hina will firmly safeguard the company鈥檚 legitimate and lawful rights and interests,” said spokesperson Mao Ning at a daily press briefing.
Panama said it would ensure smooth operation of the waterway.
The director of ports for Panama鈥檚 Maritime Authority, said at a press conference that the agency 鈥渢ook possession of its ports and will guarantee continuity of operations.鈥� He added that the entity鈥檚 board of directors will approve a plan for transitional operation for up to 18 months until long-term operators are selected.
Later in a televised message to the nation, President Jos茅 Ra煤l Mulino said that the seizure was not an expropriation, but the government would keep control of the ports 鈥渦ntil their real value is determined for corresponding actions.鈥� He also assured that 鈥渆verything done was not against anyone, but in compliance with the law,鈥� referring to challenges from the company and China鈥檚 government.
The ports are also due to be sold by CK Hutchison with a group of buyers including Blackrock after Trump began putting pressure on Panama to reduce Chinese influence last year.
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AP writer Alma Sol铆s contributed to this report from Panama City.
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