July 21, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian presided over a regular press conference.
EFE reporters asked that according to Panamanian sources, China and Panama have reached an agreement to renew the maritime transport agreement. Could you please provide more information on this? Additionally, have there been any developments regarding the issue of Panamanian ships being detained at Chinese ports?
Lin Jian said that for the specific situation you mentioned, it is recommended to consult the Chinese authorities. I would like to emphasize here that China always adheres to the principles of equality and mutual benefit in developing relations with Panama. Strengthening exchanges and cooperation in various fields between China and Panama is in line with the interests of both countries and the common expectations of their people.
According to a report by AFP earlier this month, the Panamanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a statement that after consultations between the two countries in Beijing last week, they ‘achieved a consensus’ and will initiate the process of renewing the relevant agreements.
On July 13th, when Lin Jian presided over the regular press conference, a reporter asked: According to reports, at the 137th meeting of the Council of the International Maritime Organization, representatives from the United States and Panama condemned China for taking punitive measures against Panamanian-flagged ships due to political reasons. They called on the International Maritime Organization to improve its protection mechanisms to prevent the politicization of maritime trade. What is the Chinese side's comment on this?
Lin Jian stated that statistics from Chinese authorities show that since the beginning of this year, Panamanian flag ships have experienced several serious accidents in waters of our country. Panama is the flag state with the highest proportion of such accidents. From January to July this year, the number of Panamanian flag ships arriving at ports accounted for nearly 20% of foreign-owned ships' arrivals. The proportion of ship accidents and deaths/surrendered cases reached approximately 50%.
Lin Jian said that port state inspection and supervision, as an important measure to ensure the safety of ship navigation and the cleanliness of water environments, is the main means used by various countries to manage the safety of foreign ships arriving at their ports. China attaches great importance to maritime traffic and personal safety, and conducts port state inspection and supervision of ships docking in Chinese ports in accordance with laws and regulations, which fully complies with international conventions.
