Panama, China agree to renew maritime port pact
Panama and China have agreed to renew their bilateral Maritime Transport Agreement, following a high-level Panamanian delegation’s visit to Beijing on 16–17 July. The delegation was reportedly led by Luis. . .
Panama and China have agreed to renew their bilateral Maritime Transport Agreement, following a high-level Panamanian delegation’s visit to Beijing on 16–17 July. The delegation was reportedly led by Luis Roquebert, Director General of the Panama Maritime Authority (PMA), and travelled to Beijing at the request of Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino to address rising inspections and detentions of Panamanian-flagged vessels in Chinese ports. Panama’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the two countries “reached a consensus” and will “move forward with the renewal procedures” for the agreement, which is due to expire this year. The pact grants Panamanian-flagged ships preferential port tariffs and simplified administrative procedures in Chinese ports. The renewal comes afterPanama raised concerns over a sharp rise in Chinese inspections of its vessels, which followed a Panamanian court ruling that cancelled the concession held by Panama Ports Company, a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison, to operate two terminals connected to the Panama Canal. Local media reports cited nearly 500 Panamanian-flagged vessels detained for inspection in 2026. Acting Foreign Minister Carlos Hoyos said on 20 July that detention levels have since returned “to the historical level. ”Beyond the treaty renewal, the two sides also exchanged technical criteria on port state control, aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation, promoting best practice and reinforcing navigational safety.