On the previous day, CK Hutchison Holdings issued an announcement stating that it has further strengthened legal responses to the Panamanian government's illegal seizure of the operation rights of its port and terminal assets and emphasized that it "will resort to all feasible domestic and international legal procedures". Hong Kong enterprises taking the law as a weapon to resolutely safeguard their legitimate rights and interests is worthy of recognition and support.
The Panamanian authorities' unilateral breach of contract and illegal takeover of the port have completely trampled on the spirit of contract and the basic norms of international rule of law. The port company under CK Hutchison Holdings obtained the franchise in accordance with the law, has operated stably for a long time and made substantial investments in construction, contributing practically to the local economic and shipping development. The relevant contracts, confirmed through legislative procedures, have a solid legal effect. Now, the Panamanian side's forced seizure of assets, expulsion of the management team and confiscation of business data by administrative order is an outright act of judicial servility to hegemony, which severely undermines the confidence of international investors.
It must be made clear that Hong Kong and Macao-funded enterprises are all Chinese enterprises. As China's economy is deeply integrated into the world, Hong Kong and Macao enterprises, as an important bridge connecting the Chinese mainland with the globe, have an increasingly extensive overseas layout. In the future, they will face more deliberate suppression and unreasonable infringement by external forces. The damage to the legitimate rights and interests of these enterprises is not only a commercial loss, but also bears on national development interests, which must be responded to resolutely and with firm safeguards for their rights.
In the face of such illegal infringement, the Central Government and the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region have clearly stated their stance, firmly opposing any discriminatory and predatory acts against Chinese enterprises, and resolutely supporting aggrieved enterprises in safeguarding their rights through legal channels. The solemn statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the strong condemnation and firm support for Hong Kong enterprises from the SAR Government have sent a clear message: China does not seek trouble, but is never afraid of it. Chinese enterprises operating legally overseas have a strong motherland as a solid backing. Any external force attempting to bully Chinese enterprises with hegemony will ultimately reap what they have sown.
On the other hand, Hong Kong and Macao enterprises should clearly understand their own positioning and stand firm when their rights and interests are impaired. Concession and compromise will only indulge evil acts; fighting in accordance with the law and persevering to the end is the right way forward. They should make good use of international rules, investment agreements, and judicial arbitration mechanisms to safeguard their legitimate rights and interests in a justified, evidence-based, and measured manner, demonstrating the confidence and integrity of Hong Kong and Macao enterprises of China. Only by daring and being good at safeguarding their rights can they win the respect of the international community and hold fast to the foundation of their own development.
At present, the global changes are evolving at an accelerated pace, with unilateralism and protectionism on the rise. Chinese enterprises going global will face more risks and challenges. Yet the trends and circumstances are on our side. Backed by the motherland, endowed with the institutional advantages of "One Country, Two Systems" and with the rule of law as a powerful weapon, Hong Kong and Macao enterprises are fully confident and capable of coping with external risks. We hope CK Hutchison Holdings will persist in safeguarding its rights in accordance with the law until a just result is achieved, and we also hope more Hong Kong and Macao enterprises will keep the motherland in mind, stand firm, and grow stronger and move forward steadily under the support of the motherland.
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