China warns Panama of 'heavy prices' to pay after ports contract quashed

FILE PHOTO: A container ship Maersk El Alto is guided by tugboats at Panama Ports Company, after Panama’s Supreme Court annulled key port contracts held by the Hong Kong‑based CK Hutchison-owned firm, leaving the future of some Panama Canal operations uncertain, in Panama City, Panama, January 30, 2026. - Reuters

BEIJING: China warned Panama on Tuesday (Feb 3) there would be "heavy prices" to pay after a court ruling there annulled Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison's contract to operate two ports at the Panama Canal.

China's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office called the ruling by Panama's Supreme Court "absurd," "shameful and pathetic," and vowed to defend the interests of Chinese firms.