China supports Panama's effort to uphold independence, defend lawful rights: spokesperson

BEIJING, June 11 (Xinhua) -- China supports Panama's effort to uphold independence and firmly defend its lawful rights and interests as an independent sovereign country, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday.

Spokesperson Lin Jian made the remark at a daily news briefing when asked to comment on the statement of the head of the Panama Canal Authority with regard to the purchase of CK Hutchison assets.

The head of the Panama Canal Authority reportedly said on June 10 that "there is a potential risk of capacity concentration if the deal comes the way it is structured as we understand right now. It will be at the expense of Panama's competitiveness in the market and inconsistent with neutrality." The head also said a U.S. request to allow its government ships to pass through the canal for free was not possible.

Lin said that on CK Hutchison's sales of its assets overseas, the State Administration for Market Regulation and competent authorities have made responses to that more than once.

"Let me stress more broadly that China all along firmly opposes economic coercion and domineering and bullying practices," Lin noted.

On the navigation of relevant country's vessels, China will, as always, respect Panama's sovereignty over the Canal and recognize the Canal as a permanently neutral international waterway, Lin said. ■