US and Allies Accuse China of Pressuring Panama Over Canal

The United States, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Guyana, Paraguay, and Trinidad and Tobago have issued a joint statement in support of Panama, accusing China of applying economic pressure. The countries say Beijing has increased inspections and detentions of Panama-flagged ships, actions widely viewed as retaliation. The dispute follows a Panama Supreme Court ruling that scrapped a long-standing deal granting Hong Kong-based firm CK Hutchison rights to operate ports on the Panama Canal.