Rubio raises concerns over China’s detention of Panama-flagged ships

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has voiced “serious concerns” over China’s intensified inspections of Panama-flagged vessels, vowing that the US “stands firmly” with Panama amid the Latin American country’s escalating fallout with Beijing.Rubio said China’s recent actions “raise serious concerns about the use of economic tools to undermine the rule of law in Panama, a sovereign nation and vital partner for global commerce”.“Detentions, delays, or other impediments to the movement of vessels undermine the stability of global supply chains, increase costs for businesses and consumers, and erode confidence in the international trading system,” the top US diplomat said, according to a State Department statement.“The United States stands firmly with Panama and looks forward to increasing our economic and security cooperation with this important partner.”The Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment about Rubio’s statement.01:37Panama President Mulino rejects US claims of Chinese influence in Panama CanalPanama President Mulino rejects US claims of Chinese influence in Panama CanalWashington has accused Beijing of ramping up inspections of and detaining Panama-flagged container ships in retaliation for Panama’s decision to strip Panama-ports-company" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="21470" data-entity-type="organization">Panama Ports Company – a subsidiary of Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison – of concessions to operate ports at both ends of the Panama-canal" class="entity-link entity-location" data-entity-id="8414" data-entity-type="location">Panama Canal.