China accuses US of ‘lies as pretext for seeking control’ of Panama Canal

US envoy told a UN meeting that Beijing’s influence is a ‘risk to Panama and the US’ and a ‘potential threat to global trade and security’

“China has always respected the permanent neutrality of the canal and firmly supports Panama in safeguarding its sovereignty over the canal to ensure its openness and smooth operation,” Fu Cong, China’s ambassador to the United Nations, told the meeting, chaired by Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino, on Monday.

Acting US ambassador Dorothy Shea spoke afterwards about concerns regarding China’s “outsized influence” over the Panama Canal, especially over critical infrastructure and port operations. She also called China’s influence a “risk to Panama and the US” and a “potential threat to global trade and security”.

Why the US is worried about China’s growing influence in South America

“China’s expansive and unlawful maritime claims and aggressive actions demonstrate its threat to maritime security and commerce,” Shea said, alluding to the South China Sea.