According to the Chinese Embassy in the United States, on June 23, Xie Feng, the Chinese ambassador to the United States and observer for the Organization of American States (OAS), made false statements during a dialogue meeting of OAS member and observer countries in Panama. He accused China of conducting port state control inspections on ships arriving in ports, without any reason. Xie immediately clarified the facts and stated China's serious stance.
Xie Feng emphasized that as a major shipping nation, China has always attached great importance to maritime transportation and the safety of lives. However, since 2026, there have been several collisions between merchant ships and fishing vessels flying the Panama flag in Chinese waters, resulting in multiple deaths and missing persons. In accordance with its responsibilities for shipping safety, including the safety of ships and their crew, China conducts port state control inspections on arriving ships in accordance with Chinese law and international conventions. Such inspections are not targeted at specific countries or flags, and there is no ground for reproach.
Xie Feng stated that Chinese enterprises have made positive contributions to the development of Pakistan by being allowed to operate at both ends of the canal since 1997, in accordance with the law. Over the past 30 years, cooperation between the two sides has been smooth, with no significant disputes occurring, and Pakistan has never raised any complaints. In January of this year, the Pakistani Supreme Court suddenly issued a judgment, forcibly seizing control of Chinese enterprises and forcing their expulsion. It is clear that there is political manipulation behind this decision. If the contract wants to be broken, then it should be broken; if market rules are not followed, then they should not be followed. If assets want to be taken over, then they should be taken over; if operators say expulsion is necessary, then expulsion should be carried out. Who will still invest or cooperate?
Xie Feng once again urged the Pakistani side to correct its mistakes and protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.
