Chinese Ambassador Xie Feng speaks during the Dialogue with Permanent Observers of the Organization of American States held in Panama on Tuesday. Courtesy of Chinese Embassy in the US
Xie Feng, Chinese ambassador and permanent observer to the OAS, refuted Panamanian accusations about inspections on incoming vessels at Chinese ports.
While attending the Dialogue with Permanent Observers of the Organization of American States in Panama on Tuesday, Xie said that since the start of 2026, Panama-flagged ships have been involved in several collisions between merchant or fishing vessels in Chinese waters, resulting in a number of people killed and missing.
Out of a sense of responsibility for maritime safety, Xie said, China has conducted port state control inspections on incoming vessels in accordance with Chinese laws and international conventions, according to a statement released by the Chinese Embassy.
Panama had complained recently about an increase in inspections of Panama-flagged vessels that it alleged were being detained in Chinese ports, which it suggested was linked to a dispute over operations at the Panama Canal.
