China rejects US, Panamanian claims of ‘weaponising’ ship inspections
Beijing cites data showing Panama-flagged vessels suffered multiple serious accidents in Chinese waters this year
China has defended its inspections of Panama-flagged ships as routine safety checks, rejecting US and Panamanian accusations that it is weaponising shipping lines for geopolitical leverage.
In Beijing on Monday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said the measures were lawful and aimed at protecting navigation and the marine environment.
“At present, port-state control inspections are an important measure for countries to manage the safety of foreign vessels calling at their ports and to keep waters clean,” Lin said.
“China attaches great importance to navigation safety and personal safety, and conducts port-state control inspections of vessels calling at Chinese ports in accordance with law and regulations, fully in line with international conventions.”
Lin said Chinese data showed that Panama-flagged vessels were involved in multiple serious accidents in Chinese waters this year, making them the flag state with the highest share of incidents.
From January to July, they accounted for less than 20 per cent of foreign arrivals but about half of all accidents and casualties, he said.