By Gang Aoping
Panama has made a grave miscalculation. Its recent Supreme Court ruling is a clear example of political backstabbing and legal absurdity, as it declared the extension of a legally sound concession agreement with a Hong Kong-based Chinese enterprise operating in the Panama Canal "unconstitutional."
This ruling blatantly disregards facts and contractual commitments, severely violating the legitimate rights of the Hong Kong enterprise involved. It undermines the principles of law, disrespects decades of cooperation, and has rightfully drawn firm opposition from both the Chinese government and the Hong Kong SAR. Hong Kong society has responded with equal strength and justification.
The enterprise in question invested over $1.8 billion in Panama, generating thousands of direct and indirect jobs. Its commitment supported Panama's connectivity and growth. However, the enterprise recklessly disregarded these contributions. By forcibly stripping the firm's legal operating rights, Panama is not just harming a Chinese enterprise—it's sabotaging its own economic credibility.
Worse, this move sends a chilling message to global investors: Panama can overturn even longstanding, government-approved agreements at whim. If this precedent stands, no business in Panama is safe. The country has just suffered a direct blow to its trustworthiness as an investment destination—a blow it inflicted on itself.
Panama's decision smacks of submission to foreign hegemonic pressure. The timing and language of this ruling are hardly coincidental, especially after certain Western politicians praised the move. Everyone understands that Panama is following the dictates of others.
For years, some powerful nations have abused phrases like "national security" or "geopolitics" as excuses to strong-arm sovereign nations into targeting Chinese companies. They seek to weaponize trade, politicize commerce, incite confrontation, and rewrite international rules to serve their interests. Panama had a choice—to stand firm as a sovereign nation or to play accomplice to this hegemonic bullying. Sadly, it chose the latter.
Without a doubt, this decision undermines Panama's assertion of judicial independence. It has severely damaged its reputation in the international community. Such opportunism will not end well. History repeatedly demonstrates that countries that bow to hegemonic forces, undermine justice, and betray long-term partners ultimately suffer economic, diplomatic, and credibility losses.
The Chinese government has unambiguously stated that it will resolutely counteract any acts of economic coercion, bullying, or infringement upon the legitimate rights of Chinese enterprises, including those in Hong Kong.
On the day the ruling was announced, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the decision, pledging to take all necessary steps to defend the lawful interests of Chinese companies. The Hong Kong SAR Government echoed this position, issuing a statement firmly rejecting foreign coercion or pressure in international trade relations—especially where it harms the interests of law-abiding enterprises from Hong Kong.
These are not empty words. China has the tools, the will, and the strength to safeguard fair business environments and uphold just commercial practices in the global arena. China refuses to be a victim of arbitrary politicization and economic suppression. One power can no longer dominate trade through coercion.
Panama must wake up to reality. If it stays on its current path—bowing to foreign pressure and breaching lawful commitments—it will face serious fallout.
Forcing out legitimate Chinese enterprises won't make Panama safer. It will make it more isolated. This reckless act is already triggering deep concern internationally. If Panama hopes to remain in the global trade system with any degree of respect, it must reverse course—and fast.
Otherwise, the price will be high. And it won't be Beijing's to pay—but Panama's.
(Source: Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the CPC Central Committee / Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council)
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