Rubio warns China after Panama ship detentions, calls hemisphere sovereignty 'non-negotiable'
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned China that the sovereignty of the Western Hemisphere is 'non-negotiable' following the detention of Panama-flagged ships by Chinese authorities, which the U.S. and five Latin American nations say is an attempt to politicize maritime trade. The dispute arises after Panama’s Supreme Court moved to end Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison’s control of key Panama Canal terminals, prompting a surge in ship detentions by China. The U.S. views the situation as part of a broader strategic competition with China over global trade routes and regional influence.
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China Rubio warns China after Panama ship detentions, calls hemisphere sovereignty 'non-negotiable' US and five Latin American nations accuse Beijing of politicizing maritime trade after canal port dispute By Efrat Lachter Fox News Published April 30, 2026 11:26am EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Trump is enforcing his own rules on China- Gordon Chang Gatestone Institute senior fellow Gordon Chang discusses China’s oil slowdown, sanctions loopholes, and military threats toward Taiwan on ‘Mornings with Maria.’ NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned China that "the sovereignty of our hemisphere is non-negotiable" after the U.S.
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