According to reports by Lianhe Zaobao citing multiple sources, the Panamanian government has forcibly taken over the local port operating rights of CK Hutchison Holdings, and temporarily assigned the operation of the ports of Balboa and Cristóbal, managed by Panama Ports Company (PPC), to Maersk and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) for a period of 18 months.

Reports stated that China has demanded the two shipping companies withdraw from the relevant port operations, emphasizing that they must not engage in "illegal activities that harm the interests of Chinese enterprises" and must abide by business ethics and international rules. Citing sources, the Financial Times reported that China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) had already put forward the above demands in talks with the two companies as early as March this year.

The dispute stems from a ruling by Panama’s Supreme Court in January this year. The court ruled that the concession contracts under which CK Hutchison’s PPC operated the two ports were "unconstitutional," and accordingly arranged for a third party to take over temporarily. Subsequently, CK Hutchison announced the initiation of international arbitration proceedings, and PPC expanded its claim in March to more than US$2 billion.

On the arbitration matter, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino declined specific comment, only stating that the relevant matters "do not fall under government jurisdiction."

China had previously stated its position, pointing out that the ruling was inconsistent with existing laws and concession arrangements, that enterprises have the right to protect their rights and interests through legal channels, and that China will take necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.