Akash Samaroo
China is urging Trinidad and Tobago and other countries backing the United States in the Panama Canal dispute not to be “blinded” or used to advance US interests in the escalating diplomatic standoff.
T&T has joined the US and five other countries in a strongly worded joint statement warning against what they describe as China’s “targeted economic pressure” and actions affecting Panama-flagged vessels.
However, China has fired back, calling the statement a “sheer lie.”
In the US-led statement, issued alongside Bolivia, Costa Rica, Guyana and Paraguay, the group reaffirmed that “the freedom of our region is non-negotiable,” in what can be seen as signalling a united hemispheric stance on maritime trade and sovereignty.
These countries are among the members of the recently formed Shield of the Americas coalition.
Currently, there is a diplomatic standoff over control of the Panama Canal’s key ports. Following a January 2026 court ruling that stripped a Hong Kong-based company, CK Hutchison, of its long-standing port concessions due to constitutional concerns, Panama transferred these operations to Western-affiliated firms.
China viewed this move as an "unlawful seizure" and allegedly retaliated by aggressively detaining and inspecting dozens of Panama-flagged vessels in Chinese ports to exert economic pressure.
The countries that signed the statement said they are “monitoring with vigilance” developments involving China, particularly in the wake of a decision by Panama’s Supreme Court related to operations at the Balboa and Cristóbal terminals.
The Panama Supreme Court ruled in January 2026 that the long-standing concession for CK Hutchison to operate the Balboa and Cristóbal port terminals was unconstitutional, citing irregularities and disproportionate benefits that harmed state interests.
In the joint statement, they characterised the fallout as a “blatant attempt to politicise maritime trade” and warned it could infringe on the sovereignty of states across the Americas.
“Panama is a pillar of our maritime trading system, and as such must remain free from any undue external pressure,” the statement said, adding that any attempt to undermine that sovereignty would be viewed as a threat to all signatories.
The coalition also declared its “solidarity with Panama,” framing the issue as part of a broader commitment to regional peace, security and cooperation.
Over the years, Trinidad and Tobago has maintained close economic ties with China, benefiting from infrastructure financing, construction projects and bilateral trade agreements, even as it balances relations with traditional Western partners.
Several efforts to contact Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Sean Sobers for comment on the statement were unsuccessful.
The joint declaration comes amid heightened scrutiny of China’s role in global trade routes and strategic infrastructure, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean, where Beijing has expanded its footprint in recent years.
But China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is calling on countries supporting the US not to be “blinded and utilised” by the US.
In a post on X, the ministry asked, “Who exactly exerted long forcible control of the Panama Canal, invaded Panama and trampled on Panama’s sovereignty and dignity? Who exactly is coveting the Panama Canal, trying to own an international waterway and disrespecting the sovereignty of countries in the region? The answer is rather clear.”
Donald Trump has expressed a desire to reclaim the Panama Canal for the United States, calling the 1977 treaty that handed it over a "big mistake" and threatening to "take it back" to prevent what he describes as hostile foreign influence.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry said, “China’s position on the Panama ports issue is clear and will firmly defend its legitimate rights and interests. We urge relevant countries not to be blinded and utilised by the U.S. side.”
