flag detentions

FMC Warns China's Panama-Flag Detentions Could Trigger Action Against Chinese Carriers in US Trades

The US Federal Maritime Commission has renewed warnings over China's detention of Panama-flagged vessels, describing them as retaliatory and raising the prospect of remedial measures against Chinese-controlled carriers in US trades. Panama-flagged detentions in Chinese ports rose to 136 ships in April, following a March spike where they accounted for three-quarters of all China port detentions. The dispute stems from Panama's Supreme Court decision to invalidate CK Hutchison's concession for Balboa and Cristóbal terminals.