Rubio statement supports Panama's sovereignty
Summary
Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a press statement affirming U.S. support for Panama's sovereignty following China's actions against Panama-flagged vessels. The statement also backs Panama's Supreme Court ruling on the Balboa and Cristóbal terminals, which upheld transparency and rule of law. The U.S. expressed intent to increase economic and security cooperation with Panama.
What changed
The U.S. Department of State released a press statement from Secretary Rubio on April 2, 2026, expressing concern over China's economic actions against Panama-flagged vessels. The statement characterizes these actions as undermining rule of law and global supply chain stability. The Secretary also endorsed Panama's Supreme Court decision regarding port terminals, describing it as upholding transparency and public interest.
This is a diplomatic statement with no regulatory requirements or compliance obligations. It does not create new legal duties for private entities. U.S. businesses operating in Panama or shipping internationally may wish to monitor developments regarding vessel traffic and trade relations between Panama, China, and the United States.
Archived snapshot
Apr 2, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Home Office of the Spokesperson Press Releases … Support for Panama’s Sovereignty hide
Support for Panama’s Sovereignty
Press Statement
Marco Rubio, Secretary of State
April 2, 2026
China’s recent actions against Panama-flagged vessels raise serious concerns about the use of economic tools to undermine the rule of law in Panama, a sovereign nation and vital partner for global commerce. Detentions, delays, or other impediments to the movement of vessels undermine the stability of global supply chains, increase costs for businesses and consumers, and erode confidence in the international trading system.
China’s actions against Panama-flagged vessels follow the recent decision by Panama’s independent Supreme Court regarding the Balboa and Cristóbal terminals. This sovereign ruling upheld transparency, the rule of law, and held private operators accountable to the public interest. The judgment also makes clear that Panama is a reliable partner for international investment and business opportunities. The United States stands firmly with Panama and looks forward to increasing our economic and security cooperation with this important partner.
Tags
Bilateral Relations and Engagement Bureau of Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Economic and Commercial Diplomacy Economy and Trade Policy Office of the Spokesperson Panama The Secretary of State Sovereignty
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