Panama minister blasts China’s ship crackdown, tells deputies to demand answers in Beijing

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Panama's foreign minister has urged opposition lawmakers visiting China to vocally defend Panama’s sovereignty amid rising tensions over the detention of Panamanian-flagged vessels. The minister emphasizes the importance of diplomacy to ensure national interests are respected.

Panama’s foreign minister has called on a group of opposition lawmakers visiting China to deliver a firm message defending the country’s sovereignty, as tensions over a wave of detentions of Panamanian-flagged vessels show no signs of easing. Javier Martinez-Acha Vasquez said on Monday that the lawmakers should relay a clear message to their Chinese counterparts on Panama’s behalf. “I can only suggest that you convey that Panama respects China, but Panama first respects the Constitution of our...