Panama says ship detentions in Chinese ports fell after maritime talks

Panama's government said Thursday that detentions of Panamanian-flagged ships in Chinese ports had fallen sharply after Panama and China reached a maritime understanding.

The government said detentions for inspections fell from 140 in May to 16 so far in July. It said talks between officials from both governments had produced their first results by reducing detentions of Panamanian-flagged vessels in Chinese ports.

Panama had complained that its ships faced tighter controls in China after a court ruling in Panama cancelled the contract of Panama Ports Company, a subsidiary of Hong Kong firm CK Hutchison, to operate two terminals in the Panama Canal.

After negotiations in Beijing earlier this month, Panama and China reached a consensus and will move forward with renewal procedures for an agreement that gives Panamanian ships advantages in Chinese ports, Panama's Foreign Ministry said earlier this week.

China had intensified controls on Panamanian vessels after the court ruling that ended the Panama Ports Company contract.

US President Donald Trump has sought to assert control over the canal, arguing that it was run by China. The canal is overseen by a Panamanian institution that is autonomous from the government.