00:00The Chinese government has stated that it will firmly defend the interests of C.K.
00:05Hutchinson, which operates the ports of Balboa and Cristobal in Panama, after the Panamanian
00:09courts declared the concession granted to its subsidiary unconstitutional.
00:13On Monday, Panamanian authorities took over the ports, enforcing a Supreme Court ruling
00:17that nullified a 1997 contract.
00:20Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mounting stressed that Beijing's position on the matter
00:23is clear and warned that China will protect the company's rights, despite statements
00:27by Panamanian President José Raúl Molina, who dismissed the possibility of Chinese retaliation.
00:33Panamaport's company has been under increased scrutiny, following U.S. President Donald Trump's
00:38claims that China was serving too much influence over the trade canal.
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