Hong Kong protests seizure of key ports on Panama Canal

By Mucahithan Avcioglu

ISTANBUL (AA) - Hong Kong on Tuesday lodged a formal protest with Panama after authorities seized two ports operated by CK Hutchison, a company based in China's special administrative region, on Panama Canal.

In a statement, Hong Kong’s Commerce and Economic Development Bureau said it submitted a formal note of protest to the Panama's consulate, conveying "strong dissatisfaction" over the decision and stressing that the administration would safeguard the "legitimate rights and interests of Hong Kong enterprises overseas."

A government spokesman said the company made vast investments in Panama and created abundant jobs over the years. “The ruling and the unjust action by the Panamanian government have sabotaged Panama's creditworthiness and gravely undermined international trade rules,” the readout said.​

The administration urged Panama to "respect the spirit of contracts and provide a fair and just business environment for companies operating legally there, ensuring that the legitimate rights of enterprises are free from any interference."

Separately, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China would protect the lawful rights and interests of its companies.

The two ports – located at the Pacific and Atlantic entrances of the canal – have been operated by CK Hutchison since 1997. They recently became a focal point in regional power debates after US President Donald Trump claimed "China is operating the Panama Canal."

The move followed a ruling by Panama Supreme Court annulling the law that had granted the port concession rights to the Hong Kong-based firm. The Panamanian government subsequently took control of the facilities and assumed their operations.